The rush was followed by the next party: Borussia Mönchengladbach also solved the mandatory task in the league against VfL Bochum four days after the historic cup triumph against Bayern Munich – but had to tremble again in the final phase.
The tired heroes of Borussia Mönchengladbach got their applause – and were glad that it was over. Four days after the historic cup triumph against Bayern Munich, the strength was enough for a deserved victory against VfL Bochum, 2: 1 (2: 0) it was said in the end. In the final phase, however, Borussia had to tremble again.
“We knew that a completely different opponent was coming today, that a completely different game was waiting for us,” said Gladbach’s Matthias Ginter DAZN: “We played hard for a long time, it was totally unnecessary for it to get tight again. We have already given away enough points, and today it almost happened again.”
Alassane Plea (12th) and Jonas Hofmann (40th) scored to win the first duel with VfL since the relegation games ten years ago. Borussia was completely superior for a long time, Danny Blum (86.) ensured with a remarkable free kick from the edge of the box for anxious minutes at the Gladbachers – in stoppage time goalkeeper Yann Sommer saved in dire need against Milos Pantovic. “If the equalizer falls, we’ll tear each other’s heads off,” said goal scorer Hofmann.
The five-time German champions moved up to tenth place with the victory. After the first defeat after three competitive games, Bochum is in 14th place one point ahead of the relegation place.
Early 2-0: Plea with goal and assist
In front of 42,361 spectators, the Gladbachers, who were still unbeaten at home, had a stormy start. Three corners after six minutes and the first chance by Nico Elvedi (3rd) gave the direction.
Bochum had some problems defensively with the variable playing hosts. After a perfect cross from Joe Scally, the completely alone Plea headed effortlessly for the lead. VfL goalkeeper Manuel Riemann was without a chance.
Defensively, the Gladbachers allowed themselves negligence from time to time. Bochum lacked the quality to punish them. The foal eleven had this. Plea made a good look for Hofmann, and the international hammered the ball into the goal from a slightly acute angle. This remarkable action put the fans in a celebratory mood for almost the entire half-time break.
Blum makes it exciting again
Guest coach Thomas Reis reacted to the poor performance of his team in the first round and brought fresh strength for Gerrit Holtmann and Cristian Gamboa after the restart in Danny Blum and Konstantinos Stafylidis.
That changed little in terms of the course of the game. Bochum tried hard, but Gladbach simply better. After a pass from his captain Lars Stindl, Plea narrowly missed the third goal (53rd).
On the other hand, Yann Sommer was initially challenged against Takuma Asano (70th), Vasileios Lampropoulos extended the subsequent corner to the post (71th). Gladbach missed the final decision through Hofmann (74th), and Blum made it exciting again.
In addition to the victory, those in charge of Gladbach were also satisfied with the parallel draw in the DFB Cup. In the second round it goes to the second division Hannover 96.
Borussia Mönchengladbach – VfL Bochum: the lineups
