In what was a predictably hostile Rhine derby, the electric nature of the atmosphere wasn’t translated onto the pitch in the early stages, with a wild Manu Kone effort somewhat symptomatic of both sides’ sluggish start to the game.
As hosts, there was probably more emphasis on Koln to try and spark the game into life and Florian Kainz thought he had lit the touch paper when his free-kick had the whip and dip, just not enough to nestle inside the post.
The tide was turning in Koln’s favour, and Kingsley Schindler was next up to try his luck in search of an opener, but whilst he went one better than Kainz in getting his effort on target, his stinging drive was repelled by Jonas Omlin.
The Gladbach stopper was soon called into action again, producing an equally fine stop to prevent Eric Martel’s rocket from nestling in the top corner.
It took a while for Gladbach to come to the party in an attacking sense but when they did, they so nearly snatched a surprise lead with Florian Neuhaus’s effort drifting agonisingly wide of the post following some solid wing play from Marcus Thuram.
It wasn’t for the want of trying that both sides were struggling to find a breakthrough, but after such a frantic start to the second half, the game did slow up somewhat as it entered the final stages.
You got the sense one goal would have settled this game, and Jonas Hofmann had a golden opportunity to lay the ball on a plate for Thuram to make himself a hero, but instead of playing the obvious pass, Hoffman elected to write the headlines himself and failed spectacularly.
That proved to be Gladbach’s sole chance of claiming the bragging rights as they were forced to settle for a draw, a result which didn’t particularly suit either side as it extended Gladbach’s winless run to five, while Koln's barren run now stands at six matches amidst lingering relegation fears.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Jonas Omlin (Borussia Monchengladbach)
