Borussia Mönchengladbach put in a strong first-half display to put themselves two to the good at the break. Hosts Union Berlin got back into the game from the penalty spot, but were unable to find an equaliser late on as the Foals secured victory at the Alte Försterei.

Union Berlin 1-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Goals: 0-1 Ullrich 10’ (assist: Hack), 0-2 Kleindienst 26’ (assist: Ngoumou), 1-2 Ilić 63’ (pen.)

Both teams entered the match in good form, with Union looking to continue their ascent up the table under new boss Steffen Baumgart, while Gladbach aimed to build on their recent positive results.

A simple finish: The unmarked Tim Kleindienst (r.) had little trouble turning home Gladbach's second. - Maja Hitij

Gladbach's clinical first half

The match burst into life early on, with the hosts nearly taking the lead as Robert Skov's seemingly unthreatening header rattled the crossbar in the 4th minute. However, it was Gladbach who struck first blood. In the 10th minute, Lukas Ullrich found the back of the net with a powerful finish, assisted by Robin Hack, to give the visitors the lead. Gladbach's efficiency was on full display as they doubled their advantage in the 26th minute. Tim Kleindienst, capitalising on excellent work from Nathan Ngoumou, slotted home from close range to make it 2-0.

Early change: Moritz Nicolas (l.) was forced off in the 20th minute due to injury. - IMAGO/Michael Taeger

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Nicolas forced off and half-time alterations

An unexpected turn of events occurred in the 20th minute when Gladbach was forced to make an early substitution. Starting goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas was replaced by Jonas Omlin due to injury, with the Gladbach captain making his first appearance since Matchday 3. Despite this change, Gladbach maintained their two-goal lead going into the break. The Iron Ones made a tactical adjustment at the break, bringing on Leopold Querfeld for Tim Skarke.

Game on: Andrej Ilić scores from the spot to make it 2-1. - IMAGO/Matthias Koch

Union's resurgence and tense finish

Union came out fighting in the second half, creating numerous chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. Andrej Ilić stepped up and confidently converted, bringing the score to 2-1 and igniting hopes of a comeback. The final stages of the match were intense, with Union pushing hard for an equaliser. Gladbach's defence, however, stood firm under pressure, with Omlin making crucial saves to preserve their lead.

Robin Hack (r.), who shone at the Alte Försterei today, almost scored a wondergoal from long range. - IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Player of the Match: Robin Hack

Hack's contribution was significant, as he provided the assist for Ullrich's opening goal. The winger continued to trouble Union's defence throughout the game, even hitting the crossbar in the first half with a speculative effort. It was his constant threat in the first half that allowed Gladbach to build their lead and establish dominance at the home of the Iron Ones.

Hard-fought victory: Gladbach celebrate as they win two on the spin on the road in the league for the first time in nearly three years. - Maja Hitij

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Union Berlin 3.13 - Borussia Mönchengladbach 2.1
Fastest player: Nathan Ngoumou (Gladbach), 34.05 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Lukas Ullrich (Gladbach), 27 percent
Most pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (Union), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kevin Stöger (Gladbach), +4.24

Fantasy Heroes: Lukas Ullrich (Gladbach, 297 Points), Diogo Leite (Union, 277 Points), Robin Hack (Gladbach, 220 Points)

About the clubs

1. FC Union Berlin

An der Alten Försterei

Borussia Mönchengladbach

BORUSSIA-PARK