1899's escape from Borussia-Park

To most observers a glance at the table would suggest that Saturday's 1-1 draw between 1899 and Borussia Mönchengladbach was a surprise, yet as I mentioned in the preview a trip to Borussia-Park was not going to be easy. And though many felt a sense of relief when 1899 salvaged a draw, this was not the making of a club heading towards a championship and it appears now that 1899 Sport Director Jan Schindelmeiser coach Ralf Rangnick should have went stronger in the transfer market for Vedad Ibišević's replacement.

The match started out in very predictable fashion as Gladbach controlled the run of play while their packed house created a warriors atmosphere. After fifteen minutes 1899 had its first true effort as Selim Teber miss to the left after launching a shot from right side of the box. Seven minutes later Boubacar Sanogo missed a good chance as his volley from the middle of the box drifted wide. Gladbach was far from wilting under the pressure and seemed to have the confidence of last year back. With a minute left in the half Tomáš Galásek’s pass to Alexander Baumjohan (who will be Bayern's bench next year) resulted in a strong drive from twenty-five meters logging itself into the net.

Down 1-0 at the break, Gladbach didn't back down and for the first ten minutes was able to keep the match well under control. However as the final third of the match approach Bosnian international Sejad Salihović began to break down his marking and challenge the Gladback goal on a few occasions. Gladbach likely should have killed the match off with just over ten minutes left when Oliver Neuville's cross into the found Rob Friend but his attempt fired wide. Only a few minutes later the great German veteran sent a cross to Friend but once again his miss gave hope to 1899. The final six minutes 1899 threw everything it could at Gladbach's 'keeper Logan Bailly and Belgium was up to every assault. With four minutes left Wellington came in for Andreas Ibertsberger and only a few minutes later he was able to head the ball in from the six yard box. Gladbach screamed for the goal to be waived off, feeling it was in an offside position but the call stood and 1899 escaped from Borussia-Park with a 1-1 draw.

1899 has a lot of work to do to replicate the success of the Hinrunde and without Vedad Ibišević they need someone to step up fast.