Bundesliga
RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach battled to a goalless draw in a match of two halves at the Red Bull Arena, with both goalkeepers making important saves to ensure parity.
RB Leipzig 0-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Leipzig and Gladbach locked horns in a highly anticipated Bundesliga clash at the Red Bull Arena. The hosts entered the game looking to bounce back after their 19-game unbeaten run in the league was ended by Borussia Dortmund last week. The Foals, on the other hand, were aiming to build on their impressive 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen. Marco Rose's Leipzig side were without key players like Xavi Simons and David Raum due to injuries, while Gerardo Seoane's Gladbach missed the services of Nico Elvedi.
The visitors started the match with intent, putting pressure on the Leipzig defence from the outset. In the 9th minute, Robin Hack tested Péter Gulácsi with a long-range effort, forcing the Hungarian keeper into a fine save. Moments later, Rocco Reitz's header from the resulting corner was expertly tipped over by Gulácsi. The Foals continued to create chances, with Tim Kleindienst missing a golden opportunity in the 22nd minute when he failed to beat Gulácsi from close in. Leipzig struggled to find their rhythm, with Christoph Baumgartner's off-target attempt in the 16th minute being their only notable chance of the half. The woodwork denied Gladbach in the 43rd minute when Franck Honorat's powerful strike rattled the crossbar.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Leipzig side emerge. Rose's men began to assert their dominance, creating several chances to break the deadlock. In the 64th minute, Baumgartner found himself with a clear sight of goal, but Moritz Nicolas produced a brilliant save to deny the Austrian. The Gladbach keeper was called into action again minutes later, this time thwarting Benjamin Henrichs' powerful drive. Despite the increased pressure, the visitors' defence held firm, with Ko Itakura and Marvin Friedrich putting in solid performances at the back.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner. Leipzig introduced fresh legs in the form of Benjamin Šeško and Amadou Haidara, while Gladbach introduced Florian Neuhaus and Philipp Sander to shore up their midfield. The hosts produced one more moment in the 84th minute when Kevin Kampl's long-range effort forced Nicolas into another flying save. Loïs Openda then saw his late presence thwarted by Gladbach's resolute defence. Despite the late surge, neither side could find the crucial breakthrough, and the match ended in a goalless draw, a fair result given the balance of play over 90 minutes.
Nicolas put in a stellar performance between the sticks for the visitors. The 26-year-old goalkeeper made several crucial saves, particularly in the second half when Leipzig ramped up the pressure. Nicolas denied Baumgartner with a brilliant stop in the 64th minute and followed it up with another save from Henrichs' powerful drive. His commanding presence in the box and excellent distribution played a vital role in securing a valuable point for the Foals. Nicolas' performance was further highlighted by his impressive pass efficiency rating of +4.61, the highest among all players in the match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: RB Leipzig 0.88 - Borussia Mönchengladbach 1.16
Fastest player: Loïs Openda (Leipzig), 34.46 km/h
Pass efficiency: Moritz Nicolas (Gladbach), +4.61
Fantasy Heroes: Moritz Nicolas (Gladbach, 234 Points), Kevin Kampl (Leipzig, 230 Points), Willi Orbán (Leipzig, 206 Points)