Borussia Mönchengladbach were unable to reward themselves for a committed performance in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie. The third-placed Bundesliga side lost 1-0 away to title holders Sevilla FC on Thursday night.
Manager Lucien Favre stuck by his rotation policy, making five alterations to the team that won in the Rhine derby against Köln, including dropping Germany international Max Kruse to the bench. However, the Swiss coach’s changed side didn’t have any problems finding their feet against the Spanish outfit, currently sitting third in the Primera Division.
Gladbach chances go begging, Sevilla clinical
Defensive stalwart Martin Stranzl helped keep things organised at the back for the visitors and Gladbach hardly allowed Sevilla any chances. Borussia began to dominate proceedings as the first half progressed and produced the first good goalscoring opportunity through Christoph Kramer. The World Champion was unable to mark his 24th birthday with the opener though, as Sergio Rico got down low to parry his shot away. The best chance for the Foals to take the lead fell to USA international Fabian Johnson, but he too was denied by the Sevilla keeper in a one-on-one.
Favre’s side continued to dictate the play after the change of ends and had another big chance early in the second half. Thorgan Hazard laid the ball off to the unmarked Oscar Wendt, but the left back dragged his shot wide of the target from 12 yards.
Sevilla were struggling to create anything in the final third, with only a header from Carlos Bacca forcing Yann Sommer to make a save. But then in the 70th minute, a counterattack from the hosts led to the only goal of the game. Substitute Diogo Figueiras got down the right flank and pulled the ball back to the penalty spot, where Vicente Iborra fired it into the back of the net via the inside of the post.
Borussia Mönchengladbach were unable to reward themselves for a committed performance in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie. The third-placed Bundesliga side lost 1-0 away to title holders Sevilla FC on Thursday night.
Manager Lucien Favre stuck by his rotation policy, making five alterations to the team that won in the Rhine derby against Köln, including dropping Germany international Max Kruse to the bench. However, the Swiss coach’s changed side didn’t have any problems finding their feet against the Spanish outfit, currently sitting third in the Primera Division.
Gladbach chances go begging, Sevilla clinical
Defensive stalwart Martin Stranzl helped keep things organised at the back for the visitors and Gladbach hardly allowed Sevilla any chances. Borussia began to dominate proceedings as the first half progressed and produced the first good goalscoring opportunity through Christoph Kramer. The World Champion was unable to mark his 24th birthday with the opener though, as Sergio Rico got down low to parry his shot away. The best chance for the Foals to take the lead fell to USA international Fabian Johnson, but he too was denied by the Sevilla keeper in a one-on-one.
Favre’s side continued to dictate the play after the change of ends and had another big chance early in the second half. Thorgan Hazard laid the ball off to the unmarked Oscar Wendt, but the left back dragged his shot wide of the target from 12 yards.
Sevilla were struggling to create anything in the final third, with only a header from Carlos Bacca forcing Yann Sommer to make a save. But then in the 70th minute, a counterattack from the hosts led to the only goal of the game. Substitute Diogo Figueiras got down the right flank and pulled the ball back to the penalty spot, where Vicente Iborra fired it into the back of the net via the inside of the post.
