by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Bochum coach Dieter Hecking's contract extension might have gotten lost in the shuffle of notable incidents around the club's goalless draw in a relegation duel in Heidenheim.

Even the 60-year-old announced to stay for another season almost casually, with two rounds of matches remaining, Bochum's relegation to the second division has become a realistic scenario.

Around the intense game, sportive matters for a reason understandably faded to the background, while the night shift in the Heidenheim clinics faced a busy night.

Bochum striker Philipp Hofmann had to leave the pitch after only ten minutes due to breathing difficulties, and an emergency operation followed in the hospital located only 500 meters from the Voith arena.

A broken rib threatened the player's lung after having collided with a Heidenheim defender. The medical announcement spoke of a life-threatening situation.

The VfL forward ended up in a next-door room to Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Muller, who suffered from a concussion in the 50th minute after colliding with Bochum striker Ibrahima Sissoko.

Being "knocked out like a boxer" (Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt), the unconscious keeper received emergency treatment on the pitch for over ten minutes, being protected from outside view by a plastic sheet.

Bochum and Heidenheim players rushed to help until medical staff arrived. VfL Maximilian Wittek sprinted to carry the medical emergency suitcase, "as I thought it would take too long otherwise. Things like that can be a matter of seconds."

Meanwhile, Heidenheim's Tim Siersleben put the 34-year-old Muller in a stable side position and tried to prevent the keeper's tongue from being swallowed.

"Sportive matters entirely disappear in moments like that; it's all about health and life," Wittek said while the entire arena went silent during the treatment measures.

After Muller regained consciousness and was carried away on a treatment table, fans of both sides for minutes chanted Muller's name.

"Compliments from my side to all fans, including Bochum's supporters. Despite a lot being a stake in that game, this showed a big unity in such a concerning moment," Heidenheim coach Schmidt said.

Team captain Patrick Mainka thanked "Bochum's players, at first Wittek, for their great help, not to forget their fans. Competitiveness is pushed to the side in situations like that; I am proud of everyone involved."

Both Hofmann and Muller are on a good way to recovery but might miss the remaining 2024/25 season games.

"I am thankful to all our fans and players who helped. The actions gave proof of our club's values. Best wishes to both harmed players," Hecking said before talking about his contract extension. ■