The spectators in Borussia Park see a furious duel between two rivals. However, the result doesn’t really help either Gladbach or Cologne. Long before the game, riots cause trouble.
Both fan camps rewarded the spectacular football exchange of blows with thunderous applause. The emotional state of the players and those responsible was divided after the thrilling 3:3 (1:1) in the Rhenish derby between Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln.
“Such a game, so emotional and then you get the equalizer: That really pisses me off,” said Gladbach’s double goalscorer Robin Hack on Sky. Cologne defender Timo Hübers spoke with a smile of a “huge spectacle” and added: “It could have ended 5-5.” The 27-year-old explained: “We’ll take that point with us. I’m still deciding whether I should be angry or happy.” After fan riots had previously made negative headlines, the footballers offered everything that makes for a thrilling Bundesliga game.
Damion Downs saves Cologne a point
Cologne took the lead twice through Faride Alidou (7th minute/64th). Gladbach turned the game around in the meantime, but in the end Damion Downs saved FC a point with his goal in the 79th minute. Franck Honorat (32nd) scored for Borussia before Hack (71st/73rd) in the Borussia Park, which was sold out with 54,042 spectators.
The result in the relegation battle is probably not enough for Cologne – at least if FC is still aiming for 15th place and thus direct salvation. The gap is already seven points after the fifth game without a win in a row. In the race for the relegation place, Cologne extended their lead over Mainz to two points after their 8-1 defeat at FC Bayern. “We would do well to secure 16th place first,” said Hübers. “It will be difficult to get to the top.”
Gladbach, on the other hand, missed revenge after the 3-1 defeat in the first leg – and an emotional boost three days before the quarter-finals in the DFB Cup at 1. FC Saarbrücken on Tuesday (8.30 p.m. / ZDF and Sky). “Of course we’re disappointed overall because we didn’t manage to win and give our spectators a derby victory,” said coach Gerardo Seoane.
Gladbach and Cologne fans trigger police action
The game had made news long before the ball rolled. On Friday evening, Gladbach and Cologne fans met at Borussia Park and triggered a major police operation. According to police, two male and female officers were injured and more than 200 people were arrested.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) called on the clubs to take consistent action against rioters. “We also need the clubs. They have to ensure that such types don’t even come into the stadiums,” said Reul in a statement distributed by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of the Interior. “These crazy people don’t get any special treatment from us. Anyone who can’t behave gets in trouble. This applies to the troublemakers, thugs and knife criminals on the party strip. And the same goes for the crazy problem fans.”
Fast-paced game
As a result of the incidents, the Gladbach supporters’ planned choreography did not take place. The atmosphere in the stands was heated right from the start, and the pace was immediately on the pitch.
It only took seven minutes before Alidou shot almost from the baseline and Gladbach’s goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas bounced the ball into the goal. The hosts responded immediately. Cologne keeper Marvin Schwäbe directed an attempt from Florian Neuhaus onto the post.
A mistake by Cologne in the build-up game then helped Borussia. Neuhaus switched quickly, sent Honorat and the Frenchman scored to make it 1-1. Gladbach became stronger. After a remarkable combination with Jordan Siebatcheu, Neuhaus failed again at the post (53′). The game now became wild. First Alidou headed FC back into the lead, then substitute Hack turned the game around for Gladbach. However, FC brought the final point: Downs equalized to make it 3-3 for the guests – and caused Hack’s displeasure.
Source: Stern
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