It seems like the struggling Monchengladbach side have finally found their lost form as they win 1-0 against Borussia Dortmund who had to play the game without Erling Haaland and Marco Reus who were out of contention.
Bitterer Abend. pic.twitter.com/CICI6RFtqj
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) September 25, 2021
The stakes were high at Monchengladbach as it is since they were facing their historic rivals, Borussia Dortmund but what made this game even more crucial is their poor form that keeps getting worse every week. They currently sitting 17th in the relation zone having lost 3 and drawn and lose 1 of their 5 appearances.
They have only scored 5 goals so far and have conceded 9 in return. Despite their poor form, Monchengladbach must have been confident ahead of the game since both Rues and Haaland were out injured for Dortmund.
Dortmund on the other hand have won 4 out of their 5 games and a win today would put them 2nd in the league just 1 point behind Bayern Munich. Dortmund have been unstoppable at the front foot having scored 17 goals heading up to the game but they would be equally disappointed in their defensive performance since they have let 11 goals in themselves.
The game was also crucial for both the managers, Marco Rose and Adi Hutter since a win in this unofficial derby would go a long way in the eyes of both sets of supporters.
The home fans leapt in joy as their side got the opening goal in the 36th goal. Dennis Zakaria got the ball inside the box after Dortmund’s backline failed to clear it upfield. Dortmund’s Dahoud got his second yellow card shortly after a game after a careless tackle and was compelled to walk off pitch to the dressing room.
Dortmund’s performance in the first half was surely below their expectations since they only had 1 attempt on goal from open play and that too was very poor. Monchengladbach simply were stronger than their rivals all around the pitch and the home fans were left with a smile as both teams went off at halftime.
Dortmund played a bit better in the second half and had a few good attempts on goal but it all counts for nought as Monchengladbach help fort and got away with 3 crucial points that would help them move up the table out o the relation zone.
Thorgan Hazard found himself open inside the 6-yard box in stoppage time after a deflection but his header just went over the bar and a chance for the equaliser went begging.
A PHYSICAL AFFAIR
Since both sides have history between them this was bound to be a game of passion more than tactics. Right in the first minute of the game, both sets of players got into a heated argument. We saw many harsh tackles from both sides and to be exact there were a total of 31 fouls committed over the 90.
Gurrieroo was sent off after 2 yellow cards and apart from him, there were 6 yellow cards given by the referee. The game was halted nearly every 5 minutes and things could have even gotten bloody if it weren’t for the referee who did his best to keep things calm between both sets of players.
DORTMUND WERE SLOPPY
Dortmund’s passing especially in their own half has been very sloppy this season and possibly a growing concern for Marco Rose to deal with. They have conceded 4 goals before this game due to their own avoidable mistakes.
Their passing needs to be worked in since they aren’t clean enough and they simply can’t afford to keep losing possession in their own half. Other than their passing, they are also clumsy while defending and don’t time their tackles properly. They failed to clear an easy ball which helped Monchengladbach in getting the opening goal.
A BLUNT SWORD
Dortmund never really got into the game and with 2 of their most important players ruled out, their poor performance is understandable. Haaland has been a consistent goal-scoring machine for them ever since he joined the club which is why it is hard for them to play without him.
Haaland’s pace, physicality and finishing make him a target man for them and he made the midfield’s job very easy. Mallen and debutant Moukoko weren’t ready for the big responsibility and never got into good scoring positions over the 90. They even missed Marco Reus who’s experience and playmaking ability was much needed tonight.
Hopefully, for Rose, this won’t be a regular trend and he would have a complete squad at his disposal for most of this season.