Chris Führich hits beauty in win over Bochum

Match summary:

VfB began their last block of matches before the winter break on Matchday 11 as the Bundesliga returned following the latest international fixtures. Sebastian Hoeneß's men went straight on the front foot against VfL Bochum, with Chris Führich driving into the box in the second minute and teeing up Nick Woltemade, whose attempted shot was blocked.

A Maximilian Mittelstädt cross struck the crossbar just three minutes later, and another three minutes after that Josha Vagnoman had the best chance of the game, only to fire wide from 10 metres out after a brilliant pass from Führich. Yet although VfB were in control throughout the first half they could not find the net before the interval. 

Führich breaks the deadlock

The hosts were rewarded for their dominance early in the second period when Führich scored the vital opener, leading to wild celebrations at the MHP Arena. In the 77th minute Hoeneß brought on Fabian Rieder and Justin Diehl, and just moments later the former set up the latter to net a decisive second goal.

Goals:

53^rd minute: What a goal! Leonidas Stergiou plays the ball to Führich, who curls in the opener from the edge of the box!

78^th minute: Rieder plays a ball through to fellow substitute Diehl. The 19-year-old keeps his composure and buries the ball past goalkeeper Patrick Drewes to make it 2-0!

Special mentions:

Diehl registered his first-ever Bundesliga goal, scoring in the 78th minute from Rieder's pass.

Stergiou made his comeback from injury after months on the sidelines. The Swiss, named in the starting line-up, made his first Bundesliga appearance of the season.

VfB are now 26 games unbeaten at home against Bochum in all competitions (19 wins, seven draws), their longest such run against any top-flight team.