Borussia Mönchengladbach – Union Berlin: Re-energized Gladbach Turn on the Style (4-1)

After dropping five points in the space of a week, Borussia Mönchengladbach recorded an important victory over Union Berlin, and produced some fine football in the process. Marcus Thuram and Alassane Pléa were at the heart of action, constantly finding space in Union Berlin’s defensive block leading to a result that could prove significant for both clubs. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Although live Bundesliga action feels like it has just returned to our TV screens, only six fixtures remained going into this match day. Both Borussia Mönchengladbach and Union Berlin’s final position in the standings is immensely difficult to predict, which makes every match as important as the last.

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s return to football started impressively at Eintracht Frankfurt, but they were second-best at home to Bayer Leverkusen in a crucial fixture for the Champions League spots. Gladbach did edge back into the top four on goal difference in midweek, but this came in unconvincing fashion. A goalless draw away to struggling Werder Bremen raised alarm bells, especially the uncharacteristically slow, predictable buildup and measly 0.84 expected goals The amount of goals a team is expected to score based on the quality of the shots they take. they created.

Union Berlin were a comfortable eight points off the relegation playoff before the league’s suspension, but the fears of dropping into a survival scrap have worsened over time. After a defeat to Bayern . . .