Ten years ago hardly a Gladbach fan would have thought that his team could ever defeat Real Madrid. In 2020 this dream would have almost become a reality – until stoppage time.
Borussia Mönchengladbach just missed a real sensation against Real Madrid on matchday two. Coach Marco Rose’s team “only” scored 2: 2 against Toni Kroos’ team. Up until stoppage time, Borussia led against Real thanks to two goals from Marcus Thuram.
Karim Benzema (87th) and Casemiro (90th + 3rd) tore the Gladbachers out of all their dreams with their late goals. After the embarrassing opening failure against Shakhtar Donetsk, it was the first point win for Los Blancos.
Benzema approaches the Gladbach Gate early
“I told everyone that Gladbach is a good team. Caution is definitely required,” said Rio World Champion Toni Kroos appealing to his teammates before kick-off.
But when they first met the Champions League record winner in 35 years, Borussia was initially challenged on the defensive. Driven by Kroos, Casemiro and Fede Valverde, the Spanish champions let the ball circulate, the Gladbachers had to do a lot of running work. With great discipline and a lot of diligence, the five-time German champion initially managed to have the guests combine mostly in safe zones. The first goal approach by Karim Benzema did not change anything (16th).
Toni Kroos and his team only have one point in their account after two games. (Source: Marius Becker / dpa)
Surprising Gladbach tour
Initially, however, the Rose team did not put any pinpricks offensive. On the one hand, Borussia hardly ever came up with a constructive play structure, on the other hand, there was a lack of precision. Not so for the guests, who increased the pressure after 20 minutes thanks to their playful class. But the Gladbachers were able to rely on goalkeeper Yann Sommer when Kroos closed from the edge of the penalty area (29th).
The lead of the foals, who had fought a point at Inter Milan (2: 2) at the beginning, came as a surprise. After a nice one-two with Jonas Hofmann, Alassane Plea served his French compatriot Thuram with a lot of overview. This left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois no chance with his remarkable direct acceptance.
Thuram hits again – thanks to the ricochet
The hit had an effect. Real still had a lot of possession, but the last pass to the top or the crosses to Benzema often didn’t make it. With a shot from an acute angle, Summer was also there (38th).
The irritated Spaniards came out of the break angry and full of energy. Asensio’s slightly deflected shot hit the post (46th). Real increased the number of strokes, the Gladbachers lost their order a little. Vinicius Junior aimed too imprecisely (50th).
The hosts were now very low, but then quickly found their way back to their safety. Borussia always got into quick switching situations. After a volley from Plea, Courtois let the ball bounce at Thuram’s feet, who raised from close range.
Marcus Thuram: The French scored twice against Real Madrid. (Source: Marius Becker / dpa)
The dream bursts
Real was shocked. Plea failed after a pass from Florian Neuhaus in front of Courtois (61st), captain Lars Stindl just missed the target (66th).
On the other hand, Asensio tested Sommer from a distance (70th). Zidane then put everything on one card and brought the long-injured Eden Hazard, who shortly thereafter missed the chance to hit the next goal (74th). Then Benzema struck, and Casemiro ruined the Gladbach dreams.
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