Borussia Mönchengladbach reached the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup on Tuesday (December 5th, 2023) despite a poor performance. The only goal of the evening came in the 120th minute from Manu Koné. VfL Wolfsburg had previously missed the winning goal several times.
“The game sputtered along a bit. But I was still fresh and had more strength than the defender. The only option for me was to play the ball as a chip onto the second post, and there was Manu” said template provider Florian Neuhaus in the Sportschau interview. “Both teams neutralized each other. But we waited for our chance and were rewarded in the end.”
“We were the better team today, we dominated the game in the second half and extra time. It’s the irony of fate that we missed great chances in the 92nd minute and in extra time and then got punished like that“said Wolfsburg coach Niko Kovac in the Sportschau interview.
Game with few highlights
At Wolfsburg it was clear from the start what was important to Kovac. Three and a half weeks before the cup game, his team was defeated 4-0 in the Bundesliga in Mönchengladbach – so the focus was on defending their own goal at all costs. And the Gladbachers therefore controlled the game, but still revealed major problems, and a game with a low level of entertainment developed.
Gladbach superior, Wolfsburg, stable
However, it was still clear that coach Gerardo Seoane’s team is the one that currently has more self-confidence. The Borussia team had picked up ten points from their previous five league games and are moving more and more towards the European Cup places and have moved into the quarter-finals.
However, the superiority was limited to the safe spaces on the field. Gladbach had over 60 percent possession of the ball in the first half and won the majority of duels, but neither team had any chances to score. Because Wolfsburg presented itself as stable as it did in the round of 16, when the “Wolves” defeated defending champions RB Leipzig 1-0.
“Both teams are good against the ball, but not good with the ball. The whole game is very focused on safety.”said sports show expert Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Weigl has the 1-0 on his feet
The creativity that Gladbach lacked in the first half was shown at the start of the second half. After a well-rehearsed corner kick, Julian Weigl had a free shot from 14 meters and forced Koen Casteels to make his first save (49′). After that, Alassane Plea scored from the best position, but the Frenchman was offside.
Overall, it remained a tough affair at Borussia Park. Wolfsburg became more active in playing with the ball and largely took control of the game. Similar to the other side, a very tightly staggered and multi-legged defense awaited the guests’ efforts. And neither Wofsburg nor Gladbach have yet found a way to counter the opposing defenses.
Wind misses the late decision
In the 71st minute there was another opportunity for the hosts, but the way they handled it was somehow emblematic of their lack of determination. Somewhat fortunately, the ball came to Christoph Kramer, who unsuccessfully attempted a harmless lob instead of trying to force the goal with force.
And so there was actually little in the final phase to indicate that this game would not go into extra time. Neither team seemed to lose the strength and desire to defend, but at the same time they also avoided taking risks. But then Wolfsburg switched gears and actually scored after a great counterattack – but Tiago Tomas was a few centimeters offside when he scored (86′).
And this action was a starting signal for the “Wolves”, who almost scored the winning goal. Jonas Wind headed the ball from six meters, but Moritz Nicolas dived into the corner and was able to deflect the ball out of bounds (90′). The Gladbach keeper saved his team into extra time. Borussia also had to thank the wind, which a little later missed the goal from seven meters (90.+3).
Wolfsburg’s usury of opportunities is taking its revenge
However, Wolfsburg did not carry this offensive momentum into extra time, which again had few highlights. Joakim Maehle called for Nicolas at the beginning of the second half, but the goalkeeper had no problem with the Danish international’s shot (107′). However, Nicolas would have had no chance at the next opportunity for Maehle, who shot the ball over the goal from five meters (109′). And so Wolfsburg missed the decision again.
And that was punished in the last minute. Gladbach countered, especially through Florian Neuhaus, who asserted himself strongly on the right side and sent a sensitive cross to Manu Koné – and the Frenchman only had to push the ball over the line from two meters (120th). The late lucky punch for Gladbach. And the knockout for Wolfsburg.
We are extremely happy and hope that we have a bit of luck again and can play at home,” said Gladbach coach Seoane at the end.