Bochum vs Bayern Munich 30/10/19

30 October 2019

An out-of-sorts Bochum side welcome the reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion in the Second Round of the 2019-20 DFB Pokal.

The hosts are enduring a torrid start to the season, having secured just two wins in 12 games across all competitions (W2, D6, L4). Curiously, five of those stalemates have seen both teams score at least two goals, with 17 of 28 goals scored/conceded across those draws coming in the second half (67.85%). Already established themselves as ‘draw specialists’ in their division, Bochum have played out five draws in as many home outings this term. ‘Die Unabsteigbaren’ come into this meeting on the back of a 2-1 away loss to Holsten Kiel, which was the fourth consecutive match where they’ve conceded at least two goals. Thomas Reis’ players now face a formidable challenge of the best German side they’ve lost to in ten of their last 11 competitive H2Hs (D1).

Meanwhile, a 2-1 home win over Union Berlin last weekend means that the visitors have won back-to-back matches in all competitions after failing to pick up a win in two straight games (D1, L1). Notably, all of those fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals and witnessed both teams hit the net. In spite of their sporadic dips in form, the Bavarians have racked up a seven-game unbeaten away run in all competitions this term (W5, D2), scoring at least three goals in all but two of those trips. But, Niko Kovac’s principal concern ahead of this clash is Bayern’s inability to preserve a blank slate when away from home, as they’ve conceded at least one goal in six road matches this season.