RasenBallsport Leipzig – Borussia Mönchengladbach: Tactically Fascinating Encounter Sees Leipzig Snatch A Draw Against Red-Carded Gladbach (2-2)

An exhilarating game at the Red Bull Arena ended with a 2-2 scoreline as Julian Nagelsmann’s Leipzig managed to overturn a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against Marco Rose’s Borussia Mönchengladbach. The turning point came when Gladbach striker Alassane Pléa was dismissed after two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession midway through the second half. After that, the away side fought bravely but ultimately came up short in this high-stakes matchup.
Tactical analysis and match report by Manasvin Andra.

The game against Gladbach was a crucial one for Leipzig, who had been dethroned as league leaders by Bayern Munich prior to kick-off. Only victory would ensure that the home side returned to the summit, but overcoming Marco Rose’s superb Gladbach proved easier said than done. The match was made all the more exciting with Gladbach having ambitions of their own to win the title, and the significance of the match was not lost on the away side as they rose magnificently to the occasion.

Dominant Gladbach control the first half
Marco Rose sprung a surprise by setting up Gladbach in a 3-4-3 shape. The defense saw Denis Zakaria flanked by Nico Elvedi and Matthias Ginter on either side, with the midfield pivot comprising of Christoph Kramer and Florian Neuhaus. Oscar Wendt and Stefan Lainer were the wing-backs in the formation, and were tasked with supporting the front three of Alassane Pléa, Marcus Thuram and Jonas Hofmann.

Gladbach controlled the first half with a superb display of composure under pressure, with Zakaria almost single handedly orchestrating the away side’s buildup. The presence of Elvedi and Ginter on either . . .