Borussia Mönchengladbach began the Bundesliga season with a 3-0 defeat away to RB Leipzig. Former Gladbach player Rocco Reitz scored the third goal for the hosts.
The loss on Saturday leaves Gladbach in 17th place in the table after the first matchday. The team has zero points, one loss, and a goal difference of minus three. In the current standings, Borussia are three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The next chance for points comes on September 5th with a home game against SV Elversberg, who are currently fifth. You can track the team's progress on our standings page.
How did the match unfold for Gladbach?
Borussia Mönchengladbach started the match in Leipzig well but failed to capitalize on the early phase. After RB Leipzig took the lead in the 26th minute, the hosts took control. The opening goal came from a one-two between Tidiam Gomis and Ridle Baku. After halftime, Antonio Nusa made it 2-0 in the 49th minute. The final blow was delivered in the 66th minute by Rocco Reitz. Gladbach goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt did prevent another big chance, but overall Leipzig showed better structure and higher aggressiveness. The team coached by Eugen Polanski found no answers.
Why was Rocco Reitz's goal significant?
Rocco Reitz played for RB Leipzig against his former long-term club. The 24-year-old midfielder spent almost his entire career at Borussia Mönchengladbach. "I think I spent half my life at that club," Reitz said after the match. His summer transfer and his goal in the first direct encounter highlight a problem for Gladbach. Alongside Reitz, Yannick Engelhardt also left the club for Freiburg. Replacing both players in midfield remains an issue. Against Leipzig, Philipp Sander and Kevin Stöger formed the defensive midfield partnership.
What are Gladbach's personnel concerns?
The defeat was compounded by injury problems. Daiki Hashioka had to be taken to a clinic with a neck brace after a collision with Antonio Nusa. Furthermore, two new signings were unavailable. Enzo Leopold, who joined from Hannover 96, was not in the squad. Zento Uno, who transferred from Japanese side Shimizu S-Pulse, has muscular problems. These absences limit the options for coach Polanski and sporting director Rouven Schröder. The report from Sueddeutsche Sport was vague on whether Schröder is worried about old patterns returning. However, doubts were raised about the team's defensive culture.
What does this mean for the upcoming fixtures?
The start was disappointing, but the season has only just begun. With 34 matchdays, there is plenty of time to address the shortcomings. The next task is the home game against SV Elversberg. A quick reaction is needed to avoid being stuck at the bottom of the table. The team must manage the injury problems and find a stable defense. An overview of the squad's availability can be found on our injuries page. The focus now shifts to preparing for the next match to secure the first points of the campaign.
