Gladbach up to fifth after win against European rivals | OneFootball

With just two points separating them and 7th-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach, 5th-placed RB Leipzig arrived at Borussia Park knowing a win was essential to keep the pressure on the Bundesliga's top four. Adding to the narrative, Leipzig boss Marco Rose returned to familiar surroundings, facing the club he once guided to the Champions League.

The match unfolded as a tense, tactical battle, with both sides enjoying strong spells of dominance. Leipzig looked to assert themselves early, but Gladbach held firm, responding with their own periods of pressure. Despite the intensity, neither side could find a breakthrough, with clear-cut chances proving elusive.

As the first half drew to a close, the game remained finely poised—both teams showing intent, but still searching for the moment of quality to tilt the balance in their favour. The second half promised an intriguing continuation of this high-stakes clash.

Ten minutes into the second half, it was star man from last time out against Bremen Alasanne Plea who found the opener for Gladbach as he headed home into an empty net following a strong Maarten Vandevoort save from a corner.

Die Fohlenelf came inches away from doubling their lead in the 72nd minute as Nico Elvedi found the post from a corner.

Just seven minutes later, Plea went on to hit the post for the second time in the match as the hosts looked for a second that would all but secure three points.

After a tension-filled period of additional time, Gladbach secured a vital three points that moved them up to fifth in the Bundesliga, while Leipzig's chances of Champions League football continue to become weaker and weaker.