Borussia Mönchengladbach continues its climb up the standings. The Foals proved more clinical than newly promoted Cologne in the Rhine derby, celebrating their third consecutive victory in all competitions. The 99th Bundesliga opening match saw three penalties awarded, two of them conceded by Lund.
In the 99th Rhine derby, Gladbach, in the first match of the season following their 4-0 victory against FC St. Pauli, initially adopted a more defensive approach. Borussia, fielding the same starting lineup, ceded most of the possession to Cologne, but switched positions effectively and created few chances, apart from a shot by Bülter that Nicolas saved with a quick reaction (10′).
Cologne’s manager secured the German Bundesliga title with a 4-1 victory over HSV, who, however, benefited from the presence of El Mala, who received his first call-up to the German national team. If they maintain possession for 60% of the first half, Kwasniok’s team will be more effective.
Swabians, twice as strong, were defeated. In defense, Schwäbe made a great save in the 16th minute, denying Tabakovic a cross from Sander. However, since Borussia, relying on quick transitions and Honorat’s pace after regaining possession, also struggled to create chances in the final third, much of the game was played in the half.
At the end of the first half, Borussia Mönchengladbach were spending most of the time in Cologne’s half. When Lund was fouled, VAR awarded a penalty to the Foals. However, Tabakovic’s shot was brilliantly saved by Schwäbe (42′). Less than a minute later, Borussia-Park was already celebrating: Cologne failed to clear the corner after Schwäbe’s save, and Sander calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net (45+2).
At the start of the second half, there was no indication that the halftime deficit had affected Cologne’s play. With the introduction of Ache and Sebulonsen, fresh legs were also brought on, but Bülter, who had Cologne’s first shot on target, only managed to hit the roof of the net (48′). A little earlier, however, Schwäbe was forced into a crucial save after Honorat was sent off (48′).
Another penalty for Gladbach: a quick brace decided the match.
Shortly after, the goalkeeper was called into action again from the penalty spot when Lund attempted a second penalty, this time for handball. On this occasion, Schwäbe couldn’t contain the attack, and Diks confidently converted the penalty into the top right corner (62nd minute). Tabakovic completed his brace soon after, finishing off a magnificent assist from Honorat—a ball stolen from Özkacar followed by a long run—with an easy finish (64th minute).
Despite the significant deficit, Cologne didn’t give up, but they lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Ache headed the ball too centrally, straight into Nicolas’s hands (68th minute), and Huseinbasic fired wide from distance (81st minute). Furthermore, Kaminski was unlucky when the ball got in his way (min. 65), and a superb goal by substitute Waldschmidt was ruled out for offside by Ache in the previous minute (min. 88).
