Germany round-up: Bochum ensure survival

VfL Bochum maintained their 1. Bundesliga status on Sunday thanks to a 3-1 away win against DSC Armina Bielefeld at the Almstadion.

Bochum delight
Bochum were promoted at the end of last season and ensured another campaign in the top flight in an exciting match where both sides belied their status as relegation candidates.

Wichniarek leveller
Paul Freier opened the scoring for Bochum in the 23rd minute but the home side fought hard to get back into the game and equalised three minutes before the interval through Artur Wichniarek. The Polish striker, who joins Hertha BSC Berlin at the end of the season, could have gone on to score a hat-trick but was twice denied by the woodwork.

Christiansen again
Thomas Christiansen became the German Bundesliga's joint leading scorer on 19 goals alongside FC Bayern München’s Giovane Elber when he collected the second from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. South African international Delron Buckley sealed the points in added time.

Hannover safer
In the day's other game, Hannover 96 eased their relegation fears by moving five points clear of third-bottom Bayer 04 Leverkusen courtesy of a 2-0 away win against FC Schalke 04. Sead Krupnikovic’s free-kick flew in to open the scoring in the 60th minute and Jiri Stajner doubled the lead 15 minutes later.