Honours even as Borussia Mönchengladbach and RB Leipzig share spoils in goalless stalemate
Borussia Mönchengladbach and RB Leipzig shared the points in a goalless draw as the improving Foals extended their unbeaten run to four games.
Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-0 RB Leipzig
A clash between two teams in fine form promised much at Borussia-Park, with the hosts coming into the match on the back of three consecutive league wins.
Eugen Polanski kept faith with the same starting XI that had impressed in the 3-0 win at Heidenheim last time out, whilst Ole Werner made just one change to his Leipzig side with Xaver Schlager replacing the injured Assan Ouédraogo.
Tight first half with few chances
The opening 45 minutes saw both sides battling for control without creating many clear-cut opportunities. Antonio Nusa looked the most dangerous player for Leipzig, testing the Gladbach defence with several darting runs and one shot that flew over the bar in the 13th minute.
For the hosts, Franck Honorat provided a threat on the right, whipping in a dangerous cross towards Haris Tabaković that Peter Gulácsi had to punch clear. The best chance of the half fell to Jens Castrop, who forced a good block from Willi Orbán after Florian Neuhaus had made a darting run through the middle.
Drama in the second half
The second half sparked into life almost immediately when Gladbach thought they had broken the deadlock through Honorat. Rocco Reitz played a delightful chip over the Leipzig defence, and Honorat finished clinically past Gulácsi.
However, VAR intervened, and the goal was disallowed for the narrowest of offsides, with replays showing Honorat's foot was just beyond the last defender.
The visitors had a penalty awarded in the 75th minute when Shuto Machino, on as a substitute for Tabaković, went down under a challenge from Orbán, but again VAR overruled the initial decision as replays showed Orbán had played the ball.
The closest either side came to a winner was in the 80th minute when David Raum's powerful strike crashed against the woodwork, only to bounce harmlessly clear.
Despite late pressure from Leipzig, who dominated possession with 57 percent of the ball and registered 19 shots to Gladbach's six, the home side's defence stood firm to secure a valuable point.
Man of the Match: Moritz Nicolas
The Gladbach goalkeeper was deservedly named Man of the Match after a commanding performance that earned his side a point. Nicolas made several crucial interventions throughout the 90 minutes, showing excellent positioning and handling to deny Leipzig's attackers.
He was particularly impressive when dealing with efforts from Conrad Harder, making an important save from the Leipzig forward's powerful strike in the 71st minute.
The keeper also showed good command of his area from Leipzig's nine corners and was assured in his distribution under pressure. With Leipzig generating an xG of 1.1 compared to Gladbach's 0.42, Nicolas's clean sheet was a testament to his concentration and shot-stopping abilities.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Gladbach 0.42 - Leipzig 1.1
Fastest player: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), 35.55 km/h
Most pressed player: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), 30 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Antonio Nusa (Leipzig), 2.74
Fantasy Heroes: Castello Lukeba (Leipzig, 261 points), Willi Orbán (Leipzig, 252 points), David Raum (Leipzig, 229 points)
Related news
Kane on the spot as Bayern beat Gladbach
Harry Kane's second-half spot-kick proved decisive as Bayern Munich overcome a stubborn Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Leverkusen frustrated by Gladbach
Leverkusen dominated regional rivals Gladbach but were held to a goalless draw, setting up a title six-pointer with Bayern Munich in two weeks.
Matchday 12 probable teams
Eintracht will have to plan without striker Jonathan Burkardt this weekend, but who else is in and who's out?