Wolfsburg 2-2 Borussia Monchengladbach
The German top flight has been one of the more entertaining football leagues in European football due to the usual high-scoring nature of the games. The level of competition between the sides is also getting smaller, evidenced by Bayern Munich’s shock defeat to Hertha Berlin.
The Wolfsburg vs Borussia Monchengladbach match had all the makings of a superb Bundesliga game. Both sides have prolific attackers that can score goals. They have also performed well at the start of the season, only losing one of their five league games.
While the Bundesliga 2018 odds saw this match as a high-octane match that could end either way. While the match did end up the way everyone expected them to, it is still rather exhilarating to see a high-scoring fixture pop up.
While the fans at the Volkswagen Arena were frustrated that the game ended in such a manner, they cannot deny that the two clubs showed quality class worthy of the competition. Nobody is really complaining after walking away from a match like that with a point in hand.
Highlights of the game
This contest, that is the final of three consecutive games played over the past ten days, began with much purpose from both sides. Wolfsburg were trying to recapture the superb form they had against Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen with a win here, while Gladbach did everything they could to continue the brilliant form they had against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The goals came quickly in this match, and the visitors were the ones to strike first. A brilliant counter saw Alassane Plea with the football. He drifted closer to the edge of the penalty box before unleashing a curler of a strike. The ball went to the top-right corner, and there was nothing Koen Casteels could do about it.
However, the celebrations were quickly cut short when Renato Steffen quickly put the hosts back in contention. Wolfsburg dispossessed Die Fohlen in their own half, and the ball ended in the midfielder’s feet. He dribbled a bit before whipping in a low effort to the bottom-right corner. Like his opposite number, Yann Sommer was unable to save the ball as it drove straight to the net.
With the 12th-minute equaliser, the momentum was stripped off Gladbach’s grasp and we found ourselves in an entertaining football game. Thorgan Hazard, Plea, Oscar Wendt, and the rest of the players on the pitch tried to get the lead. Unfortunately for them, the first half ended without much fanfare happening.
Hazard, who is slowly becoming a player of his own in the German top flight, opened the second half with an impressive strike of his own. Patrick Herrmann dribbled through the middle to approach the goal, attracting the backline. He then made a through pass to the left, and Hazard fired a bullet that went straight to the roof of the net.
The entire Volkswagen Arena was stunned by the opening goal, but they didn’t have to wait long before they equalised again. Another quick counter saw four green shirts blitzing up towards the opposing goal. Wout Weghorst, who once dreamed of playing for Liverpool, struck a shoddy cross that went straight to the goal.
The game was once again even, and the entire stadium was on their feet. The mere attacking quality the two teams displayed is enough to make Bundesliga 2018 news.
The 24,100 in attendance saw the rest of the game as more of a skirmish. Of course, there were still intentions to score; the importance of not conceding another goal is just more important to both Dieter Hecking and Bruno Labbadia.
While this result is one that supporters of both sides are far from happy to get, they cannot deny that their sides just showcased how strong they have become. After all, both were contending for the Bundesliga title just a couple of years ago before they experienced sudden slumps.
I think everyone can be satisfied with that.
Key statistics
The game was fairly even between the two sides. Wolfsburg had 56% of the possession, but it wasn’t like Gladbach weren’t doing anything with time with the ball. The shot attempts are 13:10 in favour of Die Wolfe, but both sides are wasteful with their attacking efforts.
However, the game is a tale of two halves. Gladbach dominated much of the first half in terms of content, while Wolfsburg had the match rolling around their fingers in the all-important second half.
Another important statistic to note is that Gladbach conceded a lot more fouls and free kicks at 14 apiece. They were really fortunate that Wolfsburg were just inefficient when it comes to their set pieces.
What’s next?
Both sides will have their first real break in a while and will return to Bundesliga action next weekend.
Wolfsburg will be on the road to meet Werder Bremen. It will be a tough test for them as they haven’t won in four games. SBOBET odds will likely be against them. Meanwhile, Gladbach’s next game is another road trip to the Allianz Arena. They better hope that Bayern Munich still haven’t recovered from their shocking loss to Hertha Berlin.
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