FC Augsburg defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 at the WWK Arena, with Michael Gregoritsch scoring twice to secure a dominant home victory.
Augsburg came into this Bundesliga clash sitting ninth in the table with 40 points from 32 matches. Mönchengladbach occupied 11th place with 35 points, making this a battle between two mid-table sides searching for momentum. Augsburg's form showed promise with a recent win, while Gladbach had struggled with just one victory in their last five games.
The home side made their intentions clear from the opening stages. Gregoritsch broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, firing Augsburg ahead with a clinical finish. The striker's movement in the box proved too much for Gladbach's defense to handle.
Augsburg extended their lead before the interval. Robin Fellhauer added the second goal in the 42nd minute, doubling their advantage and putting the visitors under real pressure. Gladbach struggled to create meaningful chances, managing just two shots on target through the first 45 minutes.
The first half belonged entirely to Augsburg. They controlled possession despite having less of the ball, registering 10 shots on goal compared to Gladbach's two. Augsburg's clinical finishing punished Mönchengladbach's defensive vulnerabilities.
Augsburg emerged from the break with their intensity intact. The home side continued to dominate proceedings, dictating play and limiting Gladbach's attacking opportunities. Defensive discipline kept the visitors at bay as the second half unfolded.
Gregoritsch put the result beyond doubt in the 72nd minute, scoring his second goal of the afternoon. His double secured the points and demonstrated why he proved so dangerous throughout the match. The striker finished with three shots on target and a match rating of 8.2.
Mönchengladbach pulled one back in stoppage time. Gregg Reyna converted in the 90+2nd minute, offering the visitors some consolation. However, the late goal could not salvage what had been a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
The statistics told the story of Augsburg's dominance. The home side recorded 15 total shots with 10 on target. Augsburg generated an expected goals value of 2.46, demonstrating the quality of their chances. Mönchengladbach managed just 12 shots with only two on target, posting an xG of just 0.62.
Possession favored Gladbach with 61 percent of the ball, yet Augsburg's efficiency proved decisive. The visitors completed 481 passes with 84 percent accuracy, but creativity in the final third eluded them. Augsburg's 72 percent pass accuracy reflected their direct approach.
Moritz Nicolas made seven saves for Gladbach in a busy afternoon between the posts. His efforts kept the scoreline from becoming even more damaging, though the defense in front of him lacked cohesion throughout.
The victory moves Augsburg to 43 points from 33 matches, strengthening their ninth-place position. Mönchengladbach remains in 11th with 35 points, their struggles continuing in their bid to climb the table.
