Stuttgart:Borussia Monchengladbach achieved their first Bundesliga victory of the season with a 3-2 comeback against VfB Stuttgart, guided by the inspirational performance of Wael Mohya. This win on Friday helped Gladbach avoid setting an unwanted record in the league.
According to NAMPA, Gladbach had lost their opening six matches and faced the possibility of being the first Bundesliga team to start a season with seven consecutive defeats. Despite having a depleted squad, Alexander Blessin's team overcame an early setback to secure a much-needed victory.
The match began with Stuttgart taking the lead after just five minutes when Ermedin Demirovic scored from a distance following a pass from Dzenan Pejcinovic. Although Gladbach's goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas managed to reach the ball, he could not stop it from crossing the line. Initially, Stuttgart controlled the game, with threats from Pejcinovic and Lorenz Assignon, but Gladbach eventually found their footing.
Joe Scally equalized for Gladbach in the 38th minute, skillfully redirecting Zento Uno's attempt into the net with his heel. Before halftime, Gladbach almost completed their comeback, but Stuttgart's goalkeeper Dennis Seimen thwarted Florian Neuhaus's effort, and Mohya's shot hit the crossbar.
Continuing their momentum after the break, Gladbach took the lead in the 51st minute. Mohya skillfully dribbled past two defenders before assisting Shuto Machino, who scored with a powerful shot into the top corner. Stuttgart's coach, Sebastian Hoeness, made three substitutions, bringing in Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, and Bilal El Khannouss, but Gladbach extended their lead in the 66th minute. Mohya's low shot was not gathered by Seimen, allowing Scally to regain possession and set up Mohya for a close-range finish.
Demirovic managed to reduce the deficit in the 83rd minute with a header from Leweling's cross, but Stuttgart could not find an equalizer despite their late efforts. "A lot of pressure has been lifted. The players have fully rewarded themselves today. We invested more in the game and showed greater passion," said Gladbach sporting director Rouven Schroeder. He added, "The win is a relief for the entire club, but it can only be a starting point."
Despite the victory, Gladbach remains at the bottom of the table with three points from seven matches, while Stuttgart is 14th with six points following their fifth league defeat.