Bundesliga
Wolfsburg had Lukas Nmecha to thank for the 1-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach at Borussia-Park on the final day of the season. Gladbach dominated possession but, without main man Tim Kleindienst up front, couldn't find a way to hit back.
Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-1 Wolfsburg
Goals: 0-1 Nmecha 51' (assist: Amoura)
The first half was a tale of missed opportunities for both sides. Gladbach's Alassane Pléa came close in the ninth minute, narrowly missing the target after being set up by Robin Hack. Wolfsburg responded through Lovro Majer, whose effort from 20 metres out sailed just over the crossbar. The visitors had their best chance of the half in the 21st minute when Nmecha found himself one-on-one with Jonas Omlin, but the Swiss goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to keep the score level. As the half progressed, both teams continued to create chances, with Hack and Philipp Sander testing the reflexes of Kamil Grabara in the Wolfsburg goal.
The deadlock was finally broken six minutes into the second half. Mohamed Amoura provided a pinpoint cross with the outside of his boot, finding Nmecha in space inside the penalty area. The striker made no mistake, placing his shot beyond Omlin to give Wolfsburg the lead. The goal, Nmecha's third of the season against Gladbach, proved to be the decisive moment of the match. Following the goal, Wolfsburg grew in confidence and began to assert more control over the game, with Jakub Kamiński and Joakim Mæhle both coming close to doubling their lead.
Despite falling behind, Gladbach continued to dominate possession and push for an equaliser. In the 67th minute, Gerardo Seoane made a triple substitution, bringing on Kevin Stöger, Joe Scally, and Tomáš Čvančara in an attempt to change the game. The move almost paid off immediately, with Stöger striking the post with a powerful effort from outside the box in the 70th minute. The home side's frustration grew as time ticked away, with Rocco Reitz and Franck Honorat both seeing efforts saved by the impressive Grabara. Wolfsburg's defence, led by Konstantinos Koulierakis and Denis Vavro, stood firm in the face of increasing pressure from the Foals.
As the match entered its final stages, Wolfsburg had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt. Yannick Gerhardt saw his effort strike the crossbar in the 81st minute, while Kevin Behrens, on as a substitute for the goalscorer Nmecha, fired wide when well-placed. Despite a late surge from Gladbach, including a dangerous free-kick in added time, Wolfsburg held on to secure a valuable away win. The result sees the Wolves finish their season on a high in 11th place, just one rung below the Foals.
Player of the Match: Lukas Nmecha
While several players put in strong performances, Nmecha stands out as the player of the match. His goal not only decided the game but was the culmination of an all-round impressive display. Nmecha's movement and link-up play caused problems for the Gladbach defence throughout the match, and his clinical finish for the goal showcased his quality in front of goal. With three goals against Gladbach this season, Nmecha has proven to be a thorn in the Foals' side and a key player for Wolfsburg in their end-of-season resurgence.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Gladbach 0.86 - Wolfsburg 1.76
Fastest player: Jakub Kamiński (Wolfsburg), 34.37 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Lukas Nmecha (Wolfsburg), 50 percent
Most pressed player: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Lukas Ullrich (Gladbach), +3.86
Fantasy Heroes: Joakim Mæhle Wolfsburg, 226 Points), Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg, 213 Points), Jonas Omlin (Gladbach, 201 Points)