Gladbach II starts preparation with defeat
Borussia Mönchengladbach II lost their first preseason friendly against Fortuna Köln. The match ended 2-1 to the Cologne side, who play in the third division. The Foals' reserve team thus begins the new season less than ideally, after the first team finished last season in 12th place in the Bundesliga with 38 points (9 wins, 11 draws, 14 losses).
How did the match unfold?
Gladbach started well and had several chances in the first half but failed to score. Fortuna Köln made better use of their few opportunities and took the lead in the 35th minute through a goal by Max Kruse. Just before halftime, Gladbach equalized through a strike by Luca Neumann. After the break, Köln increased the score to 2-1 with a counterattack, which remained the final result.
What does this mean for Gladbach II?
The result is disappointing for Borussia Mönchengladbach's second team, but it's only a friendly. Coach Daniel Thioune emphasized after the match that preparation, not the result, is the focus. The reserve aims to play a role in the upcoming third-division season and improve. The first team has lost five matches in a row, including the final league game against 1899 Hoffenheim (4-0 win on May 16, 2026).
When is the next match?
Gladbach II will play their next friendly next Tuesday against Regionalliga side Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. The first team kicks off the new Bundesliga season on August 2 with an away match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
