Only the biggest optimists at Bochum would have given them a chance of taking something from FC Bayern at 3-1 down. But they did.
In the aftermath, playmaker Mimoun Azaouagh spoke with bundesliga.de about the club's goals for the season, and about their start to the campaign.
bundesliga.de: Mimoun Azaouagh, congratulations first of all on your point away to the German champions. How do you rate that late comeback against Bayern München?
Mimoun Azaouagh: As I see it, we thoroughly earned the point. We held our own well right from the off, and created a few chances. We could easily have gone in front at the start.
bundesliga.de: What lessons did you draw from the game?
Azaouagh: The fact that we didn't give up till the very end was the most important thing. Just like in our previous game against Leverkusen (3-2 for Bayer, ed.) we never stopped believing in ourselves. It didn't pay off for us on that occasion. Today we got the reward for our good spirit. All-in-all we put in an excellent performance and earned respect for taking a point.
bundesliga.de: After an indifferent start to the season, did you think you might be struggling this season?
Azaouagh: We knew from the outset that we'd have to work calmly and consistently on our strengths. If we know we can rely on those strengths, it will pay off for us sooner or later.
bundesliga.de: After going down to an unlucky defeat against Leverkusen, could it be said that Bochum have the necessary bit of luck on their side again now?
Azaouagh: You have to realise that we've had a heavyweight schedule so far - Wolfsburg, Schalke, Leverkusen and most recently Bayern. Chances are you're going to drop points along the way there. So far everything's in order at Bochum - I don't view our situation in such a negative light.
bundesliga.de: So you see six points from seven games as a positive balance?
Azaouagh: Definitely!
bundesliga.de: How important is the upcoming game against cellar-dwellers Borussia Mönchenladbach?
Azaouagh: First up, we have to use the international break to tank up fresh energy and make good use of our time off. After that we can devote ourselves fully to the game against Borussia.
Interview: Florian Bruchhäuser / translation Angus Davison
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