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Düsseldorf (AP) - The 3-0 win at Fortuna Düsseldorf on Monday evening was not only a very important victory for second division leaders VfL Bochum, but also a special moment for goalkeeper Manuel Riemann.

After the game, the VfL keeper sat lost in thought on the lawn and looked worn out.

The reason for this was a personal loss, which the 32-year-old later made public.

«My grandpa died last night.

He made me who I am today in terms of football, ”said Riemann at Sky.

"I played for him today."

And that's why Riemann didn't want to be replaced.

Early in the game he twisted his ankle and went on playing with pain afterwards.

"I definitely didn't want to get out," said the Bochum goalkeeper, who was one of the guarantors of VfL victory with some strong saves.

«Manu is absolutely crazy.

It was clear to me that he would pull through, ”said coach Thomas Reis, who had contact with his goalkeeper on the eve of the important game.

"He will have to cope with this loss."

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Riemann's grandfather Hans Humpa himself played in the Bundesliga for TSV München 1860 in the 1960s.

His grandson could also arrive there in the summer.

Due to the important success after goals from Simon Zoller (12th minute), Gerrit Holtmann (35th) and the substitute Soma Novothny (87th) in the West duel, VfL left Hamburger SV two points behind as the front runner.

SpVgg Greuther Fürth is four points behind with 47 points.

After the international break, Bochum has every chance of returning to the Bundesliga after eleven years in the eight games that follow.

"We were very effective today," said Reis, praising his team after the somewhat happy victory, which was "too high, of course" even for the VfL coach.

«Bochum made the chances, we didn't.

That's the difference to the top teams, ”said Fortuna's Marcel Sobottka after his 100th second division game.

The dreams of a direct re-promotion are likely to have been done for the relegated Bundesliga.

Fortuna is sixth, seven points behind the third Fürth in the season's final spurt.

"We certainly don't have to talk about that today," said forward Rouwen Hennings on the subject of promotion.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210323-99-932172 / 2

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