Vfl Bochum coach Marcel Koller finally decided to play with two strikers, lining up Diego Klimowicz and Vahid Hashemian upfront. For the visitors, Mehdi Mahdavikia once more played as right midfielder.
Bochum were the better side from the start, although the first chance was created by Frankfurt, but Mehdi Mahdavikia could be stopped by a hard but seemigly fair tackling inside the box.
On the other side Vahid Hashemian was one of the major reasons for Bochum's strong performance, being involved in most dangerous situations.
The Iranian striker repeatedly showed why he is nicknamed "The Helicopter", being superb in the air.
No surprise that Hashemian scored the opening goal, heading a cross from Epalle into the net from close range. The whole Frankfurt defense looked off-guard in that scene, probably relying on goalkeeper Proell to catch a cross that close to the goal, but fortunately for Hashemian, Proell stayed on the line.
It was Hashemian's first goal after 32 Bundesliga matches without being able to add his name to the scoresheet.
Bochum remained the more determined side and could have increased the lead, but were unlucky when Klimowicz twice couldn't beat Proell and a good Hashemian header flew over the bar.
On the other side, midfielder Meier failed to score from close range.
Finally Bochum added a second, and again Hashemian was involved. The Iranian striker first was again unstoppable in the air, extending a high ball with his head, and then, after a defender got to the ball and tried to clear it, he blocked the clearance inside the box. The loose ball became the perfect serving for Epalle, who's shot from close range was saved, but Klimowicz slotted home the rebound.
While Mahdavikia, played average 90 minutes, the impressive Hashemian was subbed out nine minutes from time, earning standing ovations for his performance.
With only one round to go, Bochum stand in 14th position of the table, four points ahead of the relegation zone. Frankfurt also avoided relegation despite the loss, standing one spot and two points above Bochum.