Bundesliga
Borussia Mönchengladbach secure an emphatic 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen at Borussia-Park with Tim Kleindienst assisting three goals. Alassane Pléa, Franck Honorat, and Kevin Stöger score for Gladbach with Keke Topp netting consolation for Bremen.
Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-1 Werder Bremen
Goals: 1-0 Pléa 11‘ (assist: Kleindienst), 2-0 Friedl 12‘ (OG), 3-0 Honorat 45‘ (assist: Kleindienst), 4-0 Stöger 67‘ (assist: Kleindienst), 4-1 Topp 75‘ (assist: Ducksch)
Both teams entered the match with hopes of a win carrying them a few places up the table, but it was the hosts who seized the initiative from the outset. Gladbach coach Gerardo Seoane had emphasised the importance of a strong home performance, and his team certainly delivered on that front, employing an aggressive pressing strategy that would prove crucial throughout the match.
The match exploded into life in the 11th minute when Alassane Pléa capitalised on a Bremen error, slotting home after a clever assist from Tim Kleindienst. Before Bremen could catch their breath, they found themselves two goals down just a minute later. In a moment of misfortune, Marco Friedl inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure from an on-rushing Kleindienst, leaving the visitors shell-shocked. Kleindienst was again the architect, showcasing his growing influence on the game. Bremen's struggles in possession were evident, with Gladbach's pressing forcing numerous errors.
As the first half drew to a close, Gladbach delivered another crushing blow. Franck Honorat found himself on the end of yet another Kleindienst assist, finishing with aplomb to make it 3-0 in the 45th minute. Honorat's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he continued to trouble Bremen's defence throughout the match. The hosts' clinical finishing was evident, with their three goals far exceeding their expected goals (xG) of 0.8379 for the first half.
Bremen manager Ole Werner made three changes at half-time in an attempt to turn the tide. The visitors came out with renewed vigour, creating several chances and forcing Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas into action. Derrick Köhn, one of the half-time substitutes, was particularly influential, testing Nicolas with a powerful shot early in the second half. However, Bremen's hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 67th minute when substitute Kevin Stöger added a fourth for Gladbach, once again assisted by the irrepressible Kleindienst.
Bremen did manage to find a consolation goal through debutant Keke Topp in the 75th minute, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Topp's goal, a well-taken finish from a Marvin Ducksch assist, showcased the young striker's potential. However, any chance of a miraculous comeback was extinguished when Mitchell Weiser received his second yellow card in the 82nd minute, reducing Bremen to ten men and cementing Gladbach's dominance.
Kleindienst delivered a masterclass in playmaking, orchestrating Gladbach's attack with precision and vision. His three assists were instrumental in securing the victory, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Kleindienst's performance went beyond mere statistics, as he consistently posed a threat to Bremen's defence, drawing defenders and creating space for his fellow attackers. His work rate and tactical awareness were evident throughout the match, making him the standout player and the driving force behind Gladbach's emphatic win.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Gladbach 2.4079 - Bremen 1.7348
Fastest player: Julián Malatini (Bremen), 33.99 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Alassane Pléa (Gladbach), 15 percent
Most pressed player: Romano Schmid (Bremen), 26 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Rocco Reitz (Gladbach), +4.54
Fantasy Heroes: Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 259 Points), Franck Honorat (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 225 Points), Moritz Nicolas (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 200 Points)