VAR rescues Leipzig in goalless draw with Gladbach | OneFootball

Both teams came into the game full of confidence. Borussia Mönchengladbach were at the bottom of the standings a few weeks ago, but they’ve won each of their last three Bundesliga games by three-goal margins. RB Leipzig stayed in second with a win over Werder Bremen on matchday 11.

However, the first-half at Borussia-Park was a sluggish affair. Neither team created a clear-cut chance with the midfield battle dominating the play. In contrast, Conrad Harder’s long-range effort was the better chance as there was no shot on target in the entire half.

We didn’t have to wait long for the first big chance of the game after the restart, though. Franck Honorat finished Gladbach’s well-worked move with aplomb in the 47th minute. The goal was chalked off for offside after a VAR check, but Gladbach’s momentum continued at the start of the half. Their next big chance was also flagged offside because of Haris Tabaković’s positioning.

The in-form striker will now face competition with Tim Kleindienst finally returning from a serious injury. Gladbach’s last season top-scorer has been given the captain’s armband as he extends his contract at the club. With the German international yet to get back to full fitness level, it was Shūto Machino who replaced Tabaković twenty minutes before time, though.

As for Leipzig, their attacking play didn’t show an improvement after the break. Harder couldn’t replicate Rômulo's all-round influence, while Assan Ouédraogo’s absence meant there was not enough threat with long-range attempts. However, on his second start, Harder still tried his absolute best with another effort from distance that needed Nicolas’ intervention.

However, it was Machino who was at the center of the next big moment in the game. The referee Timo Gerach pointed to the spot when the Japanese lost the ball to Willi Orbán, but VAR once again came to Leipzig’s rescue as he overturned his decision. Leverkusen will regain their second spot if they beat Borussia Dortmund tomorrow. The hosts missed their chance to climb into the top half of the standings.  

Both teams will be favorites in their respective DFB-Pokal ties on Tuesday night. Gladbach beat St. Pauli 4-0 away from home at the start of the month, and they will face the relegation-threatened side on Tuesday with a quarter-final spot at stake. Leipzig will also be at home against 2. Bundesliga’s cellar-dwellers 1. FC Magdeburg.