Kleindienst ends Gladbach’s flute: 2-0 in Bochum

Birthday boy Tim Kleindienst single-handedly ended Borussia Mönchengladbach’s long wait for a Bundesliga success. With a 2-0 (0-0) win over VfL Bochum, coach Gerardo Seoane’s team finally had reason to celebrate for the first time since seven games without a win across the season. In front of 26,000 spectators in the sold-out Vonovia Ruhrstadion, new signing Kleindienst (61′) gave the team a 1-0 lead on his 29th birthday and set up Franck Honorat’s second goal (78′). This completes Bochum’s poor start to the season with three competitive games lost.

Even without Manu Koné, who had been transferred to AS Roma the day before and brought in the fourth highest transfer fee in the club’s history at around 20 million euros, the guests tried to control the game. However, the passionate pressing of the opponent caused them problems. The first goal chance of the match fell to Bochum, who did not yet have the Japanese Koji Miyoshi in their squad, who had been signed shortly before the transfer deadline from English third division club Birmingham City. But Philipp Hofmann’s shot from the half-left position went just wide of the far post.

This opportunity was like a wake-up call for Gladbach. As the game progressed, they gained more and more of the upper hand and increased the pressure on Bochum’s goal. Kevin Stöger, of all people, who played a key role in helping the local club to a happy ending in the relegation round at the end of last season, came close to scoring against his former club twice. Defender Ibrahima Sissoko cleared a shot from Gladbach’s new signing (25th) just before the goal line. Just a minute later, Stöger narrowly missed the VfL goal with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

But despite all the fighting spirit on both sides, the spectators did not get to see a high-class Bundesliga game. Until half-time, the action mostly took place between the two penalty areas. Gladbach seemed to be more eager to play, but were too harmless in attack.

Things got much livelier after the break. This was initially thanks to Bochum, who came close to taking the lead when substitute newcomer Aliou Baldé shot. On the other hand, Gladbach’s goal by Honorat (52′) was denied after VAR ruled out an offside position. The fact that Honorat hit the post just a few minutes later during a counterattack by the visitors was another indication of the increased entertainment value.

Borussia’s greater playing potential paid off in the end. After a great cross from Honorat, new signing Kleindienst was there with a header and secured his team’s deserved lead with his second goal of the season.

Only a short time later, Kleindienst thanked the assist provider in his own way. The former Heidenheim player served the Frenchman Honorat, who made the decision from close range.