Die Fohlen’s recent five-game winless run had all but extinguished any hopes of bringing European football to Borussia-Park next season, and it was only VAR that prevented them from going behind early on. A loose pass allowed Felix Nmecha to stride forward, and he played in Omar Marmoush, who emphatically netted what would have been his sixth goal of the season, but he was adjudged to be offside as he received the ball.
Conversely, Wolfsburg had been riding the wave of five unbeaten, and they continued to dominate their opponents in an attempt to revive their push for sixth place. However, the run of play was to count for nothing, as Gladbach found a surprise opener. Koen Casteels’ poor goal-kick was picked up by Florian Neuhaus in midfield, and Thuram was involved before Ngoumou cut inside from the right and curled into the far corner - his first strike in Germany since his summer switch from Toulouse. The goal allowed the home side to switch the momentum in their favour, and their narrow HT lead was well-deserved.
Having wasted numerous first-half opportunities, stern words were clearly said by Niko Kovač during the interval, and his side burst out of the blocks. A golden opportunity was granted to Mattias Svanberg as he was left in acres of space in the area, but the Sweden international dwelled on his shot long enough to let Jonas Omlin pull off a reflex save. In similar circumstances to the opener, Wolfsburg were again made to regret their shortcomings as Gladbach struck again. Having come in from the right for his goal, Ngoumou this time elected to cross, his ball finding Alassane Pléa at the far post. Recognising he was faced with a tight angle, Pléa headed across the face of goal to Thuram, who had an easy task to head in.
The remainder of the game was seen out convincingly by Gladbach, who were barely troubled in the closing stages. Although it may be too little, too late for a push to the upper echelons of the Bundesliga, the Borussia-Park faithful will hope that this result puts an end to their poor streak, and is the genesis of a strong end to the campaign. The visitors, meanwhile, will need to pick themselves up for a vital matchup with Bayer Leverkusen, a game in which a loss would likely spell the end of any hopes of Thursday-night football next season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nathan Ngoumou (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
