Leverkusen drop points in Euro race after Gladbach comeback
Seemingly eager to quickly move on from a 1-0 aggregate defeat against AS Roma in the Europa League in midweek, Bayer Leverkusen set about their task of ending a five-match winless run and Die Werkself stunned Borussia Monchengladbach with two early goals.
Amine Adli struck first after he raced behind the Monchengladbach defence and drilled a first time shot through Jan Olschowsky’s legs and into the net. Kerem Demirbay then ran from deep and produced a powerful diving header to finish off Jeremie Frimpong’s cross as Leverkusen struck two goals in a match for the first time since late April.
Mönchengladbach’s seven-match streak without victory on the road looked set to continue and Die Fohlen struggled to muster a response before the break as Christoph Kramer’s tame strike was easily collected by Leverkusen ‘keeper Lukas Hradecky.
Leverkusen proceeded to dominate possession and pushed for a third early in the second period but the hosts gifted Mönchengladbach a lifeline as Hrádecký’s heavy touch was pounced upon by Jonas Hofmann, who rounded the ‘keeper and tapped into the net.
Die Fohlen continued to push forward in the latter stages and were handed another goal on a platter when Marcus Thuram controlled a loose back pass, teed up Lars Stindl and the substitute fired past Hradecky.
To set up a tense finale, Hincapie was dismissed for a heavy challenge, but Leverkusen held on for a point.
Xabi Alonso will be livid with the way his Leverkusen side squandered a 2-0 lead and Die Werkself now hold a sixth position in the Bundesliga with just a one point cushion.
Despite ending the Bundesliga campaign with just one away victory, the manner in which Mönchengladbach fought back to earn a point will please under pressure Foals boss Daniel Farke.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)