Borussia Mönchengladbach stay winless after Freiburg stalemate
In a cagey affair, both goalkeepers put in strong performances as Borussia Mönchengladbach and Freiburg played out a tense 0-0 draw, leaving Gladbach winless in the league this season entering the October international break.
Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-0 Freiburg
The pressure was firmly on Gladbach as they welcomed Freiburg to Borussia-Park. Sitting rock bottom of the Bundesliga with just two points from five matches, the Foals were desperate to end a 12-game winless streak that had equalled an unwanted club record.
Caretaker coach Eugen Polanski made four changes from the side that suffered a heavy 6-4 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt last time out, with Florian Neuhaus making his first start of the season.
Freiburg, meanwhile, arrived with momentum, having recovered from a poor start to collect seven points from their previous three league games, gone unbeaten in two in Europe, as well as in their last eight Bundesliga meetings with Gladbach.
Tactical battle yields few clear chances
The opening stages saw Freiburg control possession, with Gladbach content to sit back and counter. Polanski deployed a new 4-4-2 formation with Neuhaus operating as a second striker behind Haris Tabaković, but chances were at a premium in the first half. Maximilian Eggestein had the first meaningful attempt for the visitors, volleying wide from the edge of the area in the ninth minute.
Gladbach gradually grew into the game and created the best opportunity of the half when Neuhaus controlled a long ball superbly and set up Rocco Reitz, whose delayed shot was eventually blocked. Yannik Engelhardt then forced Noah Atubolu into action with a header, while Philipp Lienhart made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Neuhaus, who was clean through on goal.
Atubolu and Nicolas ensure stalemate
The second half saw better chances with Neuhaus testing Atubolu with a well-struck effort from distance, before Niklas Beste headed narrowly wide for the visitors.
Substitute Johan Manzambi brought new energy to Freiburg's attack after the break and came close with a powerful half-volley that flew just over the bar. Neuhaus, meanwhile, remained Gladbach's most threatening player, seeing two more efforts saved by Atubolu.
In the 83rd minute, Derry Scherhant came the closest to breaking the deadlock when his free-kick from a tight angle was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Moritz Nicolas.
Despite late pressure from Freiburg, with Manzambi having another effort blocked by Nico Elvedi deep into stoppage time, neither side could find a breakthrough.
Player of the Match: Noah Atubolu
Atubolu was the standout performer in a match where goalkeepers took centre stage.
The Freiburg No.1 made six saves to preserve his clean sheet, including multiple stops to deny Neuhaus.
His positioning was impeccable throughout, and his command of the penalty area helped Freiburg weather periods of Gladbach pressure.
The 22-year-old's confident handling and decision-making were vital in securing a point for Julian Schuster's side, and his performance was rightfully rewarded with the highest Fantasy Manager rating (259 points) of any player on the pitch.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Gladbach 0.56 - Freiburg 0.75
Fastest player: Patrick Osterhage (Freiburg), 33.82 km/h
Most pressed player: Jens Castrop (Gladbach), 21 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kevin Diks (Gladbach), +4.58
Fantasy Heroes: Noah Atubolu (Freiburg, 259 Points), Kevin Diks (Gladbach, 247 Points), Luca Netz (Gladbach, 211 Points)
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