Borussia Mönchengladbach only managed a disappointing 0-0 draw against bottom-placed FC Schalke 04 in the Saturday evening game of the 19th Bundesliga matchday.
After the 4-1 win in Hoffenheim, Mönchengladbach suffered another setback in the fight for a place in the European Cup. After the disappointing zero number, the “foals” remain in eighth place with 26 points – and were whistled goodbye by the home fans in Borussia Park.
Schalke was able to score for the second time in a row after last week’s goalless draw against Cologne, but remain at the bottom of the table with eleven points. The distance to a non-relegation zone is now eight points.
The “Royal Blues” were the more offensive team in the second round – and in the end they were annoyed that they didn’t take more than one point from Mönchengladbach. Schalke will remain without a win in 2023.
Sadness in front of 54,000 in Borussia Park
54,000 spectators – including a good 5,000 noisy Schalke fans – got to see a dreary football game just before the half-time break. As expected, Borussia had significantly more possession of the ball against the bottom of the table, who countered with toughness and defensive commitment. As so often this season, Gladbach lacked the pace to put Schalke under pressure.
The hosts should have taken the lead just before the break. A double chance from Marcus Thuram (43rd) and then the former Schalke Ko Itakura (44th) destroyed first Winter access Moritz Jenz and then Schalke keeper Ralf Fährmann.
Schalke with four new players – and more stability
Schalke coach Thomas Reis tried to give his team more stability with four newcomers and returning Alex Král in the starting XI. This was initially successful, with the uninspired game of Gladbach also benefiting the bottom of the table.
After the change, Schalke became bolder, but showed the usual weaknesses in the end. Thomas Frey missed his greatest opportunity shortly before the final whistle when he failed to head the ball to Gladbach keeper Jonas Omlin. The Borussia remained pomadig, the only real chance was missed by captain Lars Stindl (72nd) in a counterattack. The 34-year-old got fit in time after back problems, but like some others he didn’t play at the 4-1 level at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim recently.
Mönchengladbach has to go to the capital
On the 20th match day, Borussia Mönchengladbach is challenged away at Hertha BSC (Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). Schalke are fighting Wolfsburg two days earlier for important points in the relegation battle (8.30 p.m.).