Hofmann fires Borussia to dominant win over Leipzig

Borussia Mönchengladbach celebrated an impressive 3-0 over Marco Rose’s RB Leipzig in matchday 7’s Bundesliga Topspiel, with two goals from Jonas Hofmann and a third from Ramy Bensebaini securing the three points.

50,186 spectators at BORISSIA-PARK saw a high-tempo first half, with the Foals taking the lead after just ten minutes through Jonas Hofmann. The visitors had a few opportunities to hit back, but Gladbach were the more clinical side – again it was Hofmann on the scoresheet, rounding off a devastating counterattack to make it 2-0 at the break. Ramy Bensebaini added a brilliant third shortly after the restart to kill off any remaining Leipzig hopes and, while it could have been an even bigger win in the end, the Foals claimed three points to move them up to sixth in the table.

TEAM NEWS

There was one change to the side that drew with Freiburg, with Nico Elvedi returning from injury to replace the now injured Florian Neuhaus. Yann Sommer was between the sticks as Joe Scally, Marvin Friedrich, Elvedi and Ramy Bensebaini made up the back-four. Julian Weigl continued alongside Manu Koné in midfield, with Christoph Kramer taking up a more advanced role, supporting lone striker Marcus Thuram together with Jonas Hofmann and Lars Stindl.

The Foals were without Ko Itakura (partial MCL rupture), Florian Neuhaus (partial PCL rupture) and Alassane Plea (groin strain) against RBL. Tobias Sippel (separated shoulder) was also unavailable, meaning goalkeeper Jan Olschowsky was in the matchday squad for the first time. There was also a place on the bench and a late cameo appearance for Tony Jantschke as he returned from an ankle problem.

FIRST-HALF HIGHLIGHTS

9’: Hofmann’s corner is headed on goal by Elvedi and Gulácsi has to react well to tip the ball over.

10’: Goal for Borussia! Scally’s cross from the right flank is perfect for Thuram. His powerful header can only be parried by the RBL goalkeeper, and Hofmann is on hand to bury the rebound into the roof of the net. 1-0 to Gladbach.

25’: A counter sees Silva and then Nkunku both get a shot away, but they can’t find a way past the keeper.

28’: Another dangerous moment from Silva as Sommer has to push his header behind for a corner.

35’: Another for the Foals! Thuram steals the ball off Raum in midfield and breaks away. He plays a neat pass into the run of Hofmann, who clinically finishes past Gulácsi. 2-0 to Gladbach.

37’: Hofmann is feeling confident after his brace and takes aim from 25 yards. His powerful effort zips narrowly wide of the target.

SECOND-HALF HIGHLIGHTS

46’: An early chance for the visitors and again it’s Silva with a header on goal, but Sommer reacts brilliantly to stop the ball before gathering it ahead of the lurking Nkunku.

48’: Sommer is on hand again to deny Szoboszlai on the volley.

52’: Thuram shrugs off a challenge in midfield as he drives forward and once again plays in Hofmann. This time the Germany international can’t beat Gulácsi, however.

53’: That should be that! A corner is cleared as far as Stindl, who delivers the ball back into the mixer. Schlager plays an unmarked Bensebaini onside and he has time to chest it down before coolly scooping a shot over the helpless Gulácsi. 3-0 to Gladbach.

60’: Some neat football ends in a shot from Thuram, but it’s not got enough power in it to trouble the goalkeeper.

87’: Another big chance for the Foals as the tireless Kramer plays Hofmann through. The hat-trick goal eludes him once more though as Gulácsi makes the save.

MATCH FACTS

Borussia: Sommer – Scally, Friedrich, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Kramer, Weigl (90’ Jantschke) – Koné, Hofmann (90’ Lainer), Stindl (82’ Wolf / 87’ Herrmann) – Thuram (90’ Ngoumou) // Unused subs: Olschowsky, Netz, Reitz, Wolf, Borges Sanches

Leipzig: Gulácsi – Raum, Gvardiol, Orban, Henrichs (80’ Novoa) – Kampl, Haidara (46’ Schlager), Nkunku, Forsberg (46’ Werner), Szoboszlai – Silva (66’ Poulsen)

Goals: 1-0 Hofmann (10’), 2-0 Hofmann (35’), 3-0 Bensebaini (53’)

Attendance: 50,186

Yellow cards: Weigl, Stindl // Kampl, Henrichs

Referee: Patrick Ittrich

Nico Elvedi returned from injury and took his place in the starting line-up
Jonas Hofmann grabbed a first-half brace
Captain Lars Stindl made his first home start of the season

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