Bochum Stages Stunning Comeback to Draw 3-3 Against RB Leipzig

BOCHUM, Germany — VfL Bochum pulled off a remarkable comeback from a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 against RB Leipzig in a thrilling Bundesliga match on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The result keeps Bochum’s hopes alive in their fight to avoid relegation.

Leipzig dominated the first half, with Willi Orban scoring twice (10th and 13th minutes) and Christoph Baumgartner adding a third (22nd minute). The visitors appeared to be cruising to an easy victory, but Bochum turned the game on its head after halftime.

Myron Boadu, who came on as a substitute, scored a stunning hat-trick within 13 minutes (48th, 57th, and 61st minutes), marking the first time a Bochum striker achieved this feat since Frank Schulz in May 1987. Boadu’s heroics electrified the Ruhrstadion and left Leipzig reeling.

Bochum’s interim coach, Dieter Hecking, made tactical changes that paid off, including benching Philipp Hofmann in favor of Boadu. “We needed a spark in the attack, and Myron delivered beyond expectations,” Hecking said after the match.

Leipzig, missing key strikers Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko, André Silva, and Yussuf Poulsen, struggled to maintain their early momentum. Coach Marco Rose admitted, “We lost control after the break. Bochum deserved their comeback.”

The match was not without controversy. Leipzig’s second goal, scored by Antonio Nusa, was questioned for a potential offside, but technical issues with the VAR system prevented a definitive ruling. Sky Sports reported that the calibrated line could not be drawn due to system malfunctions.

Bochum, now with 10 points, remains at the bottom of the Bundesliga table. However, if their postponed match against Union Berlin is counted as a win, they would overtake Holstein Kiel in the standings. Leipzig, meanwhile, faces league leaders Bayer Leverkusen in their next fixture.

The dramatic draw sets up an intense relegation battle for Bochum, who will face Borussia Mönchengladbach in their next match on Saturday, January 25.