Vahid Hashemian plays 90 minute as Karslruhe stun Bochum

Having served as last season's surprise package with an unlikely challenge for a European spot, Karlsruhe set about proving that was no fluke as Christian Eichner got the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.

In truth, they might have scored many more as they dominated play and kept Bochum from mounting too many meaningful attacks.

The onslaught began in the 16th minute as Antonio da Silva fired narrowly wide from long-range.

At the other end, Stanislav Sestak sought to capitalise on a mistake from Maik Franz but his volleyed shot was straight at goalkeeper Markus Miller.

The goal came just before the half-hour mark as Silva rode a challenge before playing in Eichner who fired an outstanding shot into the top corner of the net from outside the area.

Karlsruhe had a pair of chances to double their lead after the break, the first coming when Silva's free-kick picked out Joshua Kennedy who controlled the ball on his chest before sending a close-range effort just wide.

Kennedy was on the attack again in the 77th minute but the Australian shot wide from the edge of the area after a solo run.

Bochum almost stole a point at the death when Sestak's shot hit the post, but it would have been undeserved and Karlsruhe held on.