Karlsruher SC got their second season up off to a winning start thanks to a goal from Christian Eichner.
The home-grown defender bagged the only goal of the game in the 29th minute for the southern German side, who were the surprise package of the first half of last season before suffering a collapse in form.
Nervous opening
Neither side hit the ground running particularly fast, with KSC at first focussing on consolidating their own ranks. Eichner (8.) and Massimilian Porcello (25.) had half-chances for the hosts as did Bochum goalgetter Stanislav Sestak (10., 22.).
Chances for Karslruhe
The pace of the match picked up somewhat, however, after Eichner broke the deadlock with an excellent long-range effort. KSC pressed forward more after the break, with Antonio da Silva (46.), Bradley Carnell (48.) and Maik Franz (61.) all spurning opportunities to double their advantage.
KSC were now finding more space to operate in going forward as Bochum opened up in search of an equaliser, and in the 68th minute home striker Joshua Kennedy saw an effort rattle the post - but 1-0 it remained.
KSC pick up one point in Dortmund
Away win for Bochum
Six goals in Karlsruhe