Bochum bottom of Bundesliga despite Union draw

BERLIN: Bochum edged closer to relegation from the Bundesliga when they could only secure a 1-1 home draw against Union Berlin on Sunday.

Both of Bochum´s relegation rivals Holstein Kiel and Heidenheim won this weekend, sending the hosts to the bottom of the table. With three matches remaining, Bochum have just 21 points to their name, one fewer than Holstein Kiel and four behind Heidenheim who currently occupy the relegation play-off position.

Union took the lead when Benedict Hollerbach cut the ball through a crowded penalty area with 17 minutes gone for his ninth goal of the season. Bochum hit back when Matus Bero tapped in the rebound of his own saved penalty in the 68th minute. Bochum held on despite late Union pressure to end a five-game losing run.

Union sealed their spot in the top division for the seventh straight season with last Saturday´s manic 4-4 home draw against Stuttgart. Later on Sunday, Werder Bremen can keep their hopes of European qualification alive with a win at home against St Pauli.