The 2012-13 campaign was a season of turbulent transition for VfL Bochum as Die Unabsteigbaren battled to a 14th-place finish in the 2. Bundesliga. The year was marked by the mid-season sacking of manager Andreas Bergmann and the appointment of Karsten Neitzel to steer them clear of relegation. Leading the line was Slovenian forward Zlatko Dedič, whose 8 league goals proved crucial in securing their second-tier status. The campaign is also notable as a foundation for the future, featuring the emergence of future stars Leon Goretzka and Christoph Kramer, and saw veteran Marcel Maltritz set a new club record for 2. Bundesliga appearances, marking a chapter of survival and development in their modern history.