Bundesliga: Gladbach wins 5-2 against Bochum

Borussia Mönchengladbach achieved the longed-for first win of the second half of the season and thus gained breathing room in the relegation zone. Coach Gerardo Seoane’s team won 5:2 (2:0) against Bayern conqueror VfL Bochum, it was their first success after five consecutive matches without a win.

Nathan Ngoumou (28th), captain Julian Weigl with a penalty kick (35th), substitute Rocco Reitz (72nd), Jordan (78th) and Franck Honorat (90th + 6) secured Borussia the important home win. In the table, the Gladbachers left 15th place with 25 points and moved past Bochum, for whom Philipp Hofmann (75th) and Keven Schlotterbeck (87th) scored.

Minute of silence for Le Fevre and Frontzeck

Before the landmark encounter for the home team, there was a minute’s silence for former Borussia players Ulrik Le Fevre and Friedhelm Frontzeck. The Dane, who was involved in Gladbach’s first two championships, died at the age of 77. Frontzeck, father of coach Michael Frontzeck, won the DFB Cup with the club in 1960. He was 85 years old.

Amid the sadness, Stefan Lainer brought joy to Borussia Park. The Austrian was back in the starting line-up for the first time since recovering from cancer, and the home crowd cheered loudly when the lineup was announced.

After a short delay, the visiting fans had arrived late due to massive travel problems, the ball rolled at 3:40 p.m. – and Bochum’s Bernardo scored the supposed lead after just four minutes (4th). The Brazilian had previously committed a handball, but after a video check the goal was revoked.

The Gladbachers were not unsettled by the first difficult situation; Jordan (6th) headed the ball onto the crossbar a short time later. Borussia won many duels, and after winning the ball they usually moved forward at lightning speed on both flanks. But the lead fell after a corner: Ngoumou extended and the ball landed in the goal via Bochum’s Christian Gamboa.

Shortly afterwards, Iwan Ordez hit Manu Kone on the foot in the penalty area, Weigl safely increased the score with a penalty. The stadium shook and Seoane high-fived with relief from the entire bench. Gladbach now went into a bit of a frenzy, but Florian Neuhaus’ supposed 3-0 was overturned after another video review due to previous foul play (44′). After a heated pack formation in which Bochum keeper Manuel Riemann received his fifth yellow card, the break went on.

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In the second round, Jordan missed the preliminary decision from close range (56th). Bochum remained courageous, but created few compelling opportunities. On the other hand, Reitz scored instead. Hofmann and Schlotterbeck shortened twice for Bochum. But Gladbach countered, scored thanks to Jordan and Honorat and won clearly.