Bochum secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga, with Philipp Hofmann scoring a stoppage-time winner to complete a remarkable comeback.
The hosts, managed by Uwe Rösler, made a strong start, taking the lead after just six minutes. Christian Rasmussen found the net with a superb effort from the left side of the penalty area, beating Karlsruher SC goalkeeper Hans Christian Bernat.
However, Karlsruher SC responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, Kevin Wiethaup equalised, firing an impressive finish into the top corner from the edge of the box after being set up by Marvin Wanitzek. Bochum continued to press, enjoying more possession and creating chances, with Karol Mets and Jarne Steuckers testing Bernat, but the score remained level at the break.
The second half began with Karlsruher SC taking the lead five minutes after the restart. Following a Bochum corner, Tim Civeja spotted Timo Horn off his line and unleashed a sensational strike from around the halfway line, sending the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to make it 2-1.
Bochum quickly found an equaliser in the 53rd minute through Philipp Hofmann. After Berkan Taz delivered the ball into the penalty area, Rasmussen helped it into Hofmann’s path, and the former Karlsruher SC striker made no mistake from close range.
Both teams pushed for a winner as the game progressed. Bochum came close again in the 74th minute, with Bernat making a double save to deny Taz and then Hofmann from the rebound. The Karlsruher SC goalkeeper continued to frustrate the home side, who also had to be wary of the visitors’ counter-attacking threats.
The decisive moment arrived in the second minute of stoppage time. Following an attack down the left, Hofmann helped the ball back to Taz, whose shot was saved by Bernat. The play continued, and Karol Mets delivered a crucial ball into the penalty area for Hofmann to finish from close range, securing all three points for Bochum.
The late winner sparked celebrations at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. This victory continues Bochum’s recent improvement under Uwe Rösler, while Karlsruher SC will be left frustrated after twice holding a lead but ultimately leaving empty-handed.