But worries about Müller: Horn's late feat prevents Bochum from relegation for the time being

VfL Bochum will avoid relegation on Matchday 32 of the Bundesliga. A draw at FC Heidenheim at least maintains a mathematical chance of securing a place in the relegation play-offs. This crucial clash is overshadowed by a nasty collision.

VfL Bochum continues to stumble toward relegation in the Bundesliga. Although coach Dieter Hecking's team retained a glimmer of hope for survival thanks to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the relegation summit at 1. FC Heidenheim, the chances of that happening are extremely slim, given they are four points behind the relegation zone with only two games remaining.

In a game characterized by numerous duels, both teams had better scoring opportunities in the second half, but both missed the chance to take the lead. The injury to Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Müller caused a shock; he had to be stretchered off the field after ten minutes of treatment.

While Heidenheim, currently in 16th place, still has the best chance of reaching the relegation zone, Bochum, which has only collected two points in its last seven games, faces the next final next Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky) in its home game against Mainz 05.

Before the "final" in Heidenheim, Hecking tried to allay his players' fears of impending relegation. "We don't need to be afraid. It's an opportunity," said the 60-year-old: "When I started here, no one expected we'd get this chance."

The game began as expected for a relegation battle: with a lot of fighting. Both teams put in a lot of effort, with the game being interrupted repeatedly and players lying on the ground. Bochum striker Philipp Hofmann had to be substituted early on (9th minute) after taking a hit to the chest, while Leonardo Scienza was also substituted on the other side (29th minute).

The game barely flowed, let alone created any good scoring opportunities. Possession often shifted back and forth in midfield, and it wasn't until more than half an hour had passed that Myron Boadu, who came on for Hofmann (32nd, 35th), had his first significant shots. Heidenheim also came close to the opposing goal a few times, but without really creating any real threat.

The second half began with a shock: Müller (49th minute) collided violently with Bochum's Ibrahima Sissoko in the penalty area and initially lay motionless. Team doctors from both teams and paramedics rushed to the scene, and a screen was even set up. It wasn't until more than ten minutes had passed that Müller was carried off the field, while both fans chanted his name.

After the long break, both teams struggled to get back into the game. Then, Boadu hit the post (67'), before Heidenheim also got back on the attack: Benedikt Gimber (72') and Adrian Beck (76') missed the target by inches. Beck also hit the post shortly before the final whistle (90'+10'), but goalkeeper Timo Horn, in a superb move, deflected the shot onto the post with his fingertips.