Borussia claim crucial win over Augsburg

Matchday 22 saw Borussia Mönchengladbach get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga, with goals from Manu Koné, Jonas Hofmann and Ramy Bensebaini earning a 3-2 victory over FC Augsburg.

10,000 spectators were allowed back into BORUSSIA-PARK and witnessed a decent first-half performance from the home side. Adi Hütter’s side grew into the game as it progressed and took the lead on the half-hour mark thanks to Manu Koné’s header. The Foals flew out of the traps in the second 45, with Jonas Hofmann making it 2-0 inside a minute of the restart. Augsburg struck back when Iago fired low past Sommer in the 55th minute, but Bensebaini powered in a header 12 minutes later to restore the two-goal advantage. Alfred Finnbogason reduced the deficit again in the second minute of stoppage time, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal for FCA as Borussia claimed all three points for the first time since the opening matchday of 2022.

TEAM NEWS

Head coach Adi Hütter went with the same line-up that started in last week’s draw against Arminia Bielefeld. Matthias Ginter, Marvin Friedrich and Nico Elvedi made up the back-three ahead of Yann Sommer. Stefan Lainer and Ramy Bensebaini took up wing-back positions on either side of centre-midfielders Manu Koné and Florian Neuhaus, while Jonas Hofmann, Alassane Plea and Breel Embolo led the line.

Borussia were without captain Lars Stindl (knee) and Mamadou Doucouré (muscular problems), but there was a return to the squad for Christoph Kramer after he tested negative for Covid-19.

FIRST-HALF HIGHLIGHTS

5’: The first chance of the game falls to the Foals as Plea finds Hofmann with a diagonal ball, but the Germany international misses the target from inside the area.

12’: Hahn is able to get a head on a cross from Framberger, but Sommer is there to make the save.

13’: Borussia storm down the other end on the resulting attack. Hofmann cuts the ball back to Neuhaus, but his curler from the edge of the box sails into the side-netting.

18’: Once again, it’s Hahn who pops up in front of goal to connect with a Framberger cross. His header flies just past the post and out – a lucky break for Sommer, who wouldn’t have been able to get there in time.

22’: Vargas cuts the ball into the middle where Gregoritsch is waiting at the near post. Friedrich and Sommer are able to make the block.

25’: Borussia go on the attack again and Plea does well to pick out Embolo’s run. His attempt to chip Gikiewicz sails harmlessly across the face of goal though.

30’: We take the lead! Plea finds Koné with a cross and he’s able to head home the opener from the six-yard box to put Borussia ahead. 1-0 to Gladbach.

SECOND-HALF HIGHLIGHTS

46’: What a start to the half! Just 26 seconds are on the clock when Bensebaini wins the ball down the left flank and hooks it back into the centre for Hofmann to finish first time. 2-0 to Gladbach.

53’: Gregoritsch comes close for the visitors but his header trickles wide of the target.

55’: FCA pull one back. Vargas flicks Hahn’s cross on towards the far post where Iago is arriving. He fires low past Sommer into the bottom corner. Now just 2-1 to Gladbach.

67’: Cushion restored! A brilliantly worked goal from Borussia. Some neat build-up play ends up with Neuhaus crossing into the box, where Bensebaini applies a fine finish with his head. 3-1 to Gladbach.

88’: The chance to wrap it up goes begging as both Plea and Neuhaus are denied by Gikiewicz in quick succession.

90+3’: FCA grab a late consolation goal as Finnbogason directs a cross from the left inside the far post. Gladbach still lead 3-2.

MATCH FACTS

Borussia: Sommer – Ginter, Friedrich, Elvedi– Lainer (84’ Herrmann), Bensebaini (84’ Netz) – Koné (84’ Kramer), Neuhaus – Hofmann, Plea (90+1’ Plea) – Embolo (80’ Thuram) // Unused subs: Sippel, Jantschke, Beyer, Bénes

Augsburg: Gikiewicz – Framberger, Gouweleeuw, Oxford, Iago – Moravek (63’ Pedersen), Dorsch, Hahn (78’ Zeqiri), Vargas (69’ Sarenren Bazee) – Niederlechner (63’ Pepi), Gregoritsch (69’ Finnbogason)

Goals: 1-0 Koné (30’), 2-0 Hofmann (46’), 2-1 Iago (55’), 3-1 Bensebaini (67’), 3-2 Finnbogason (90+3’)

Attendance: 10,000 (sold-out)

Yellow cards: Plea, Elvedi – Iago

Referee: Dr. Martin Thomsen (Kleve)

Manu Koné netted his second Bundesliga goal to open the scoring
Stefan Lainer wrestles with Augsburg's Jan Moravek and Niklas Dorsch
The Foals celebrate after Ramy Bensebaini makes it 3-1

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