Borussia Dortmund – Borussia Mönchengladbach: The Race for European Qualification Heats Up (3-2)

In a game where Borussia Mönchengladbach took the lead against the run of play, Dortmund responded swiftly and emphatically to turn the tide. Although the visitors clawed their way back into the contest with a second-half penalty, they ultimately fell short of doing enough to leave Signal Iduna Park with any points.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

Despite exiting from the Champions League midweek, the Borussia Dortmund players walked out of the Signal Iduna Park with their heads held high. After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of the quarter-final clash, Niko Kovač needed a miracle to turn it around. They delivered an inspiring performance in the return fixture. Although they won the match, the 3-1 scoreline was not enough to progress into the semi-finals. Nevertheless, it demonstrated their ability to fight until the end – something they will need in the final league run-in as they attempt a late chase for Champions League qualification.

In the chaotic 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign, Borussia Mönchengladbach looked like they could sneak in a surprise finish in the top six and qualify for European football. They have lurked in and around the cut-off zone throughout the season. However, a 1-1 draw against St. Pauli and a 2-1 stumble to Freiburg have slightly derailed their hopes. With Werder Bremen and Dortmund finding some form recently, Mönchengladbach had to earn a victory against Kovač’s team, which was a six-pointer affair, to . . .