Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 FC Köln: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 FC Köln in the Bundesliga on Saturday, 08 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Borussia Mönchengladbach secured a convincing 3-1 victory over FC Köln at home, extending their winning streak to two matches after defeating St. Pauli. The result was not entirely surprising given Gladbach’s recent form, which included a heavy defeat to Bayern München but showed resilience in bouncing back. Key moments included goals from Sander and Tabakovic, with the latter’s strike coming just a minute after Sander’s substitution, highlighting Gladbach’s effective use of their bench.

FC Köln, on the other hand, saw their inconsistent form continue, with this loss following a win against Hamburger SV. The team struggled to convert possession into goals, a trend evident in their recent results. Despite the defeat, Köln’s performance was not without merit, but they were undone by Gladbach’s clinical finishing and strategic substitutions.

Borussia Mönchengladbach, despite having only 36% possession, managed to outscore FC Köln, who dominated with 64% possession. This statistic underscores Gladbach’s efficiency in front of goal, as they secured three goals from limited opportunities. Köln’s higher number of corners (6 to Gladbach’s 2) suggests they had more attacking pressure, yet they failed to capitalise on these set pieces.

In terms of discipline, Köln received more yellow cards (3) compared to Gladbach’s 2, indicating a slightly more aggressive approach. However, Gladbach’s higher successful dribble percentage (55% vs. Köln’s 42%) reflects their ability to maintain control and create scoring chances despite less possession.

The match’s turning point came in the 45th minute when Sander scored, giving Gladbach a crucial lead just before halftime. This was followed by a penalty converted by Diks in the 61st minute, further solidifying Gladbach’s advantage. The quick response from Tabakovic, scoring just a minute after Sander’s substitution, showcased Gladbach’s tactical acumen and bench strength.

For FC Köln, a late penalty by Waldschmidt in the 91st minute offered a glimmer of hope, but it was too little too late. The game was also marked by several yellow cards, with Köln receiving three, indicating moments of frustration and perhaps a lack of discipline that contributed to their defeat.

Borussia Mönchengladbach deployed a 5-3-2 formation, which provided a solid defensive structure while allowing for quick transitions to attack. The lineup featured key players like Nico Elvedi and Kevin Diks in defence, with Florian Neuhaus and Franck Honorat in midfield and attack, respectively. This setup contributed to their success, particularly in exploiting counter-attacking opportunities and maintaining a strong defensive line.

FC Köln opted for a 3-5-2 formation, aiming to control the midfield and press high up the pitch. The lineup included experienced players like Florian Kainz and Marius Bülter, who were expected to drive the team forward. Despite their efforts, the formation did not yield the desired results, as Köln struggled to break down Gladbach’s defence and convert their possession into goals.

Philipp Sander was named Man of the Match for his pivotal role in Gladbach’s victory. Scoring the opening goal in the 45th minute, Sander set the tone for the second half. His contribution was not just limited to scoring; his presence on the pitch forced Köln to adjust their defensive strategy, which ultimately played into Gladbach’s hands.

Recent Bundesliga matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs FC Köln (H)
• Win: 4-0 vs St. Pauli (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs FC Bayern München (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs FC Union Berlin (A)

Recent Bundesliga matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Hamburger SV (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Borussia Dortmund (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs FC Augsburg (H)

Currently 12th in the league with 9 points, they will face Heidenheim, who are 18th with 5 points, on November 22, 2025, at 14:30.

Currently 9th in the league with 14 points, they will face Eintracht Frankfurt, who are 7th with 17 points, on November 22, 2025, at 17:30.

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