Derby against Köln ends goalless

Borussia Mönchengladbach played out a 0-0 draw away to 1. FC Köln on matchday 26 in the Bundesliga.

At a sold-out Rhein-Energie-Stadion, the Foals were put under pressure by their hosts from the start, who were often able to win the ball back in midfield and create several dangerous chances in front of goal. Their attempts were often off-target, though, or denied by the excellent Jonas Omlin. At the other end, there was a lack of clarity in Borussia’s attack, meaning Effzeh goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe was only called into action for two tame efforts.

TEAM NEWS

Daniel Farke made one change to the side which started the 2-2 draw with SV Werder Bremen. Following his suspension, Ramy Bensebaini replaced Luca Netz on the left side of a back four which also included Joe Scally, Ko Itakura and Nico Elvedi, with ‘keeper Omlin. The defensive midfield consisted of Christoph Kramer and Manu Koné, with Jonas Hofmann, Florian Neuhaus and Lars Stindl ahead of them. Marcus Thuram was the lone striker.

Julian Weigl (partially ruptured ankle ligament) and Tony Jantschke (torn meniscus) were the only two absentees in the squad. After recovering from his illness, Jan Olschowsky took a place on the bench as replacement goalkeeper.

FIRST-HALF HIGHLIGHTS

2’: After gaining possession from Borussia build-up, the hosts counter quickly and Maina feeds Selke for the game’s first shot. Omlin is called into action and saves.

11’: Another Köln attack sees Schindler fire towards goal following a low pass from the left, but his shot is over the bar.

15’: Hofmann picks up and keeps the ball, finding Neuhaus with a good pass. He goes to ground under pressure from a defender, but referee Felix Zwayer waves away the penalty appeals. VAR also denies the Foals a penalty.

19’: A first Borussia corner sees Elvedi get his head to the ball, but his attempt lacks power and Schwäbe collects.

22’: A free-kick from Kainz whistles narrowly past the right-hand post. The foul, given away by Koné, meant he received his tenth yellow card of the season. The Frenchman will now miss our next match, at home to VfL Wolfsburg.

33’: A foul on Stindl gives Borussia a free-kick in a dangerous position. Hofmann lays it off for Bensebaini but his shot is deflected, making it easy for Schwäbe to deal with.

38’: A fine save from Omlin! A corner is cleared away, but only to a Köln man. Martel’s long-range attempt is helped over the bar by Borussia’s ‘keeper.

SECOND-HALF HIGHLIGHTS

50’: A first big chance for the Foals! Thuram takes a shot on the volley, but misses to the left of the Köln goal.

54’: Borussia almost take the lead! Thuram powers down the left and squares the ball for Neuhaus to stick out a leg. His effort tolls agonizingly past the post.

77’: Thuram receives the ball in the box and lays off for Bensebaini, who can’t take a first-time shot. Eventually, Köln clear.

88’: Martel takes another long-range attempt. After a deflection, the ball flies narrowly past Borussia’s goal.

MATCH FACTS

Köln: Schwäbe – Schmitz, Hübers, Chabot, Hector – Skhiri, Martel – Schindler (61‘ Ljublicic), Maina (78‘ Thielmann), Kainz (78‘ Huseinbasić) – Selke (61‘ Tigges)

Borussia: Omlin – Scally, Itakura, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Kramer, Koné – Hofmann (90‘ Ngoumou), Neuhaus, Stindl (82‘ Plea) – Thuram

Goals: -

Attendance: 50,000 (sold-out)

Yellow Cards: Kainz, Huseinbasić, Tigges | Koné, Scally, Bensebaini

Referee: Felix Zwayer