31st matchday
No goals in Gladbach: Borussia and Union like relegated teams
Great importance, low class: Gladbach and Union Berlin share the points in the relegation battle. photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
Borussia Mönchengladbach and Union Berlin already meet at second division level. In a very weak Bundesliga game, both crisis clubs remain goalless.
Judging by their performance in front of 53,723 spectators in Borussia Park, both already acted like second division teams. The fear of losing this important duel between two direct competitors initially seemed to paralyze both teams. The game was extremely unsightly and was hardly of Bundesliga standard. Gladbach couldn’t, Union didn’t want to and operated in a destructive system with a deep five-man defense chain when the opponent had the ball. There was also a lack of speed and playful finesse on both sides.
The first half was largely boring. The only highlights were an opportunity from Gladbach’s Ko Itakura from a distance (23′) and a crossbar from a good 30 meters from Kevin Volland (25′) for the guests.
Gladbach with improved defense
Berlin only became bolder after the change and seemed to grasp the chance of an important win against a weak opponent. However, Union was far too careless in exploiting opportunities. Substitute András Schäfer (73′) missed the biggest opportunity of the game when he was completely unmarked.
Gladbach was now forced onto the defensive, but made inadequate use of some counterattack opportunities. At least the defense, which was recently heavily criticized in the 3-4 defeat in Hoffenheim, was relatively secure this time. Max Wöber’s absence due to injury was also of no consequence. Fabio Chiarodia, who was only 18 years old, made his first ever starting appearance for Borussia.
Air for both becomes thinner
However, Tomas Cvancara’s first game after around six months from the start had no effect. The Czech was substituted for Nathan Ngoumou after just over half an hour. The fast Frenchman no longer had a decisive impact on the bad game. After his substitution, the hosts hardly had any dangerous moments in transition.
Gladbach coach Seoane tried again in the final phase with the recently injured Manu Koné, but the Frenchman couldn’t prevent the 0-0 score either.
Both teams are now under even greater pressure next matchday. Union is at home against VfL Bochum with the same points and Borussia has to play against Werder Bremen.