Borussia Mönchengladbach claimed a stunning 1-0 victory over second-placed Borussia Dortmund at home, with Hannes Tabakovic's late strike proving decisive in a tight Bundesliga encounter.
Borussia Dortmund arrived at BORUSSIA-PARK as heavy favorites. The visitors sat second in the table with 67 points from 31 matches, while Mönchengladbach occupied 14th place with just 32 points. Dortmund's recent form showed promise with back-to-back wins. However, the hosts were determined to upset the odds on this May afternoon.
The opening 45 minutes proved competitive but goalless. Mönchengladbach controlled possession with 51% of the ball and created the better chances early on. The home side's attacking players pressed high, forcing Dortmund into defensive positions. Rocco Reitz orchestrated play from midfield with precision, completing three key passes.
Dortmund struggled to impose their usual rhythm. The visitors managed just one shot on target in the first half. Their expected goals (xG) figure of 0.48 reflected their lack of cutting edge in the opening period. Mönchengladbach's goalkeeper made just one save, indicating the visitors rarely threatened seriously.
Kevin Stöger received a yellow card for Mönchengladbach in the 54th minute. Two minutes later, Nico Schlotterbeck picked up a caution for Dortmund. The match remained tightly contested, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
The second half intensified as both teams pushed for the opening goal. Mönchengladbach maintained their attacking intent while Dortmund grew more desperate. The visitors' frustration mounted as clear-cut opportunities remained elusive throughout the period.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute. Hannes Tabakovic struck the decisive blow, firing past Dortmund's goalkeeper to send the home crowd into raptures. The goal proved crucial in a match where both sides fought for every ball.
Tabakovic's moment of magic came at the perfect time. With just two minutes remaining, Dortmund had little time to mount a comeback. The forward received a yellow card in stoppage time but had already secured the three points for his team.
Statistics told the story of a competitive contest. Mönchengladbach recorded 12 total shots with four on target, compared to Dortmund's six shots and just one on target. The home side's xG of 2.1 exceeded Dortmund's 0.48, justifying their victory. Possession remained balanced at 51-49 in Mönchengladbach's favor.
Franck Honorat and Reitz impressed for the hosts with ratings of 7.9. Schlotterbeck led Dortmund's defense capably despite the defeat. The visitors completed 415 accurate passes from 489 attempts for 85% accuracy, but their attacking play lacked the usual precision.
This result sends shockwaves through the title race. Dortmund's second-place position comes under pressure after dropping points to a struggling side. Mönchengladbach's victory provides hope in their battle against relegation, though their league position remains precarious.
