Kleindienst nets twice as Gladbach beat Heidenheim

Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2 Heidenheim
Goals: 0-1 Scienza 12', 1-1 Itakura 22' (assist: Pléa), 2-1 Kleindienst 62' (assist: Pléa), 3-1 Kleindienst 75' (pen.), 3-2 Pieringer 80' (pen.)

Gladbach hosted Heidenheim in a highly-anticipated Bundesliga clash. The match carried extra significance for Kleindienst, who faced his former club for the first time since his summer move to Gladbach. The striker's recent call-up to the German national team and maiden caps only increased the attention around him. The Foals enterred the match looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season, having lost four of their opening six games. Heidenheim, on the other hand, arrived in good form, having won two of their last three away matches in their debut Bundesliga campaign.

The match began with Gladbach asserting their dominance, controlling possession and creating early chances. However, it was Heidenheim who struck first against the run of play. In the 12th minute, Léo Scienza capitalised on a rebound after Moritz Nicolas failed to hold onto a shot from Jan Schöppner. The Brazilian forward reacted quickest to slot home from close range, giving Heidenheim a surprise lead. The goal stunned the home crowd and temporarily halted Gladbach's momentum. However, the home team quickly regrouped and continued to press for an equaliser, with Kleindienst and Franck Honorat looking particularly dangerous in attack.

Gladbach's persistence paid off in the 22nd minute when Kō Itakura drew the hosts level. The Japanese defender reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box following a corner, firing home from close range to make it 1-1. The equaliser energised the home side, and they continued to dominate possession, with Rocco Reitz pulling the strings in midfield. Heidenheim, however, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Scienza and Marvin Pieringer causing problems for the Gladbach defence. The first half ended all square, with both teams having shown their attacking prowess.

The second half saw Gladbach continue to press for a winner, and their efforts were rewarded in the 62nd minute. Kleindienst, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, finally broke through against his former club. The striker showed his predatory instincts, pouncing on a clever pass from Alassane Pléa to score with a deft backheel, giving Gladbach the advantage. The goal was a testament to Kleindienst's quality and highlighted why he had caught Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann's eye. Heidenheim, however, refused to give up and continued to push for an equaliser, forcing Gladbach to defend resolutely.

The match took another dramatic turn in the 75th minute when Gladbach were awarded a penalty after Marnon Busch fouled Pléa in the box. Kleindienst stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake, firing past Kevin Müller to give Gladbach a seemingly comfortable lead. However, the drama was far from over. Just five minutes later, Heidenheim were awarded a penalty of their own when Julian Weigl was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Pieringer stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to set up a tense finale. The closing stages saw both teams create chances, with Gladbach substitute Tomáš Čvančara hitting the post and Heidenheim pushing for an equaliser. However, Gladbach managed to hold on for a crucial victory, much to the relief of their supporters.

Tim Kleindienst's performance against his former club was nothing short of exceptional. The striker's brace proved decisive in Gladbach's triumph, showcasing his clinical finishing and importance to the team. Kleindienst's first goal, a clever backheel, demonstrated his technical ability, while his composed penalty under pressure highlighted his mental strength. Beyond his goals, Kleindienst's overall play, including his hold-up work and link-up with teammates, was instrumental in Gladbach's attacking fluency. This performance further justified his recent call-up to the German national team and underlined his status as a key player for the club.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Borussia Mönchengladbach 3.85 - 1. FC Heidenheim 2.34
Fastest player: Marnon Busch (FCH), 35.19 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Léo Scienza (FCH), 9 percent
Most pressed player: Tim Kleindienst (BMG), 32 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Rocco Reitz (BMG), +4.57

Fantasy Heroes: Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 349 Points), Ko Itakura (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 295 Points), Léo Scienza (1. FC Heidenheim, 213 Points)