Alassane Pléa powers Borussia Mönchengladbach to key win over Leipzig in European race
Borussia Mönchengladbach edged RB Leipzig 1-0 in a tense Bundesliga clash, with Alassane Pléa's second-half strike lifting the hosts European qualification chances.
Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-0 RB Leipzig
Goals: 1-0 Pléa 56'
Gladbach and Leipzig locked horns in a high-stakes encounter at Borussia-Park with European qualification the target for both sides, and Gladbach aiming to leapfrog their opponents in the table. The home side started with 18-year-old Tiago Cardoso in goal, while Leipzig fielded Maarten Vandevoordt between the posts, marking his first Bundesliga appearance of 2025.
Tense first half
The first half proved a cagey affair, with both teams demonstrating their defensive strenght. Leipzig dominated possession, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Gladbach backline. The hosts, meanwhile, looked to hit on the counter-attack. In the 21st minute, Robin Hack forced a save from Vandevoordt, marking Gladbach's best opportunity of the half. For Leipzig, Christoph Baumgartner came close with a header from David Raum's cross, but his effort sailed wide. As the teams headed into the break goalless, it was clear that a moment of quality or a tactical shift would be needed to break the deadlock.
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Pléa breaks the deadlock
The second half began with Leipzig on the front foot, as Baumgartner narrowly missed the target with a shot from the edge of the box. However, it was Gladbach who struck the decisive blow in the 56th minute. Following a corner, Ko Itakura's volley was parried by Vandevoordt, but Pléa was quickest to react, heading home from close range to send Borussia-Park into raptures. The goal seemed to galvanise the hosts, who nearly doubled their lead just minutes later when Pléa's powerful drive struck the post.
Gladbach hold firm
Leipzig responded by introducing Benjamin Šeško and Kosta Nedeljkovic, but Gladbach's defence, marshalled by the impressive Nico Elvedi, stood firm. The hosts continued to threaten on the break, with Pléa at the heart of their attacks. The Frenchman was denied by the woodwork once again in the 80th minute, as Gladbach came agonisingly close to extending their lead. In the 83rd minute, Elvedi's header from a corner also struck the post, further underlining Gladbach's dominance in the second half. In a tense finale, Leipzig pushed for an equalizer, but Gerardo Seoane's men held on for a crucial victory that sees them overtake their opponents in the table and further fuel their European ambitions.
Player of the Match: Alassane Pléa
Pléa was undoubtedly the standout performer in Gladbach's victory. The French forward not only scored the decisive goal but was a constant threat throughout the match. His ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game was crucial in relieving pressure on the Gladbach defence. Pléa's goal was a testament to his predatory instincts, reacting quickest to Vandevoordt's save to nod home. He was unlucky not to add to his tally, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half. With six shots on goal, the highest of any player, Pléa's performance was instrumental in securing three vital points for his team.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Borussia Mönchengladbach 2.01 - RB Leipzig 1.8
Fastest player: David Raum (Leipzig), 34.67 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Alassane Pléa (Gladbach), 45.84 percent
Most pressed player: Xavi Simons (Leipzig), 31 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Nicolas Seiwald (Leipzig), +2.34
Fantasy Heroes: Alassane Pléa (Gladbach, 242 Points), Nico Elvedi (Gladbach, 231 Points), Christoph Baumgartner (Leipzig, 227 Points)
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