Winning streak broken, but at least we won an important point. Against second-placed RB Leipzig, Borussia Mönchengladbach had to settle for a 0-0 draw against the favored team from Saxony on Friday evening after four competitive game wins in a row.
Leipzig, who had previously won four times in the last five games, were only able to reduce the gap to FC Bayern Munich by one point and can still fall back to third place in the table. Gladbach initially improved to eleventh place in the Bundesliga. 50,029 spectators in Borussia Park saw a largely even encounter without any major highlights.
The game initially began with fan protests against the stricter security measures demanded by politicians. Like in the stadiums last weekend, things remained quiet for twelve minutes in Borussia Park. On banners, the supporters demanded: “No decisions against our fan culture.” Later they sang: “You are destroying our sport.”
Polanski relies on a proven formation
After the period of silence ended, the Gladbach players also woke up and presented a concentrated, well-structured and courageous offensive game against the second-placed team. Borussia’s coach had relied on the last successful eleven and made no changes. As expected, the recovered offensive players Tim Kleindienst and Robin Hack remained on the bench.
Leipzig’s head coach Ole Werner had to make changes in central midfield due to the injury to young national player Assan Ouedraogo. Xaver Schlager moved into the starting line-up for this. Otherwise, the coach relied on the most recently successful formation.
Few chances on both sides
However, his team defended very deeply against the hosts who dominated the game and allowed few chances. Leipzig always became dangerous on counterattacks and when the nimble Antonio Nusa was involved. A long-range shot from striker Christoph Baumgartner (36th minute) was the most dangerous goal scene up to that point. On the other hand, Florian Neuhaus ensured an orderly attacking game in his 200th Bundesliga game, although scoring opportunities remained scarce in both penalty areas.
That changed after the break. But Franck Honorat’s goal after a nice attack via Neuhaus and Rocco Reitz was disallowed for offside. The hosts then increased their offensive game and had some good scenes. In the end, the guests had a confident goalkeeper in Peter Gulacsi, who was there at the crucial moment and secured the point for his team. Unfortunately for Leipzig, RB captain David Raum (80th) only hit the crossbar and post with his shot.