Year in review: Qualifying for the UCL on the last day

It was the end of a bizarre yet great season. With a 2-1 win against Hertha BSC on the last day, the Foals stayed fourth and secured a spot in the Champions League.

When referee Deniz Aytekin blew the final whistle in Borussia’s game against Hertha BSC on 27th June, the Foals ran onto the pitch with smiles on their faces. T-shirts were given out and everyone had a cool drink in hand. Borussia had beaten Hertha BSC 2-1 on the last day of the season to remain fourth in the league and secure a place in the UEFA Champions League. “So many emotions. There was a time when no-one knew how and even if the season would continue. After the restart, we put everything into it. We’re all pleased that we can celebrate now. We’ll have a drink tonight and then we’ll get back to work,” said Jonas Hofmann, speaking not just about his delight at qualifying for the Champions League but also the Bundesliga’s interruption. No football was played for 66 days. And then when it did get going again, the games took place with sometimes a few but later no fans in the stadium – an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus. On matchday 34 in BORUSSIA-PARK, there were no celebrating fans to be heard, just the shouts of the players. 

Borussia hold on

The Foals had surely imagined the post-match celebrations differently; they really missed the fans. “It’s obviously really disappointing that we can’t celebrate the success with our fans. Had they been in the stadium, BORUSSIA-PARK would’ve exploded! What we’ve achieved has above all been for the fans. I hope that, no matter where they are, they’ll have a proper celebration tonight,” said head coach Marco Rose. Despite the circumstances, Borussia crowned a successful season with Champions League qualification and would be playing against the top sides of Europe. “If you get 65 points, you’ve earned the Champions League. It’s such a great achievement. None of us can wait to hear the anthem,” said Christoph Kramer. The Foals hadn’t gone into the last day of the season without pressure either; they were just two points ahead of rivals Bayer Leverkusen who were up against 1. FSV Mainz 05.

There was no doubt about the fact that the Foals wanted the points. They were explosive on the pitch and took an early lead. Breel Embolo’s stark determination allowed him to keep the ball in the penalty area and then pass to Jonas Hofmann who made no mistake from ten metres (7’). The first half saw Borussia have 13 shots – the away side had none – but it was only 1-0 at the break. “We went into the dressing room and said we couldn’t let it slip,” said Florian Neuhaus. “We wanted to get an early goal in the second half, and we managed to do that eventually.” A short corner was crossed in by Hofmann, and Embolo headed it home from close range (78’). Vedad Ibisevic pulled one back late on (90+1’), but Borussia held on. “You can forget any analysis, all that counts is that we’re fourth. And that’s huge,” said Hofmann.

An emotional farewell

All the Gladbach players and staff were up in applause before the end of the game. In the second minute of injury time, Raffael was subbed on for the last time. Raffael would leave the club after 201 competitive appearances (71 goals, 35 assists) in seven years, so had an emotional farewell with his final minutes as captain on the pitch. “I really wanted to play one last time so I’m very grateful that the coach gave me that opportunity. When everyone in the stadium was on their feet, it was a great and very emotional moment.”