Reliving the Boundary-Pushers: Monchengladbach vs Dortmund
The Bundesliga's old classic is back on Saturday (3:30 pm) as Borussia Mönchengladbach journeys to Dortmund. Gladbach's coach Gerardo Seoane, anticipating the forthcoming Borussia encounter, remarks: "Up till the Bayern and Stuttgart defeats, Dortmund had an undefeated streak in the Bundesliga, showcasing their international prowess in their clash against Newcastle."
Staging the Spectacle
Dortmund's stadium, boasting a 81,365-seater audience, is all set to be bursting at the seams for the match. Over 7,200 enthusiastic Foals fans will roar their support for Borussia.
Finding the Balance
In the last two seasons, the home team has emerged victorious in this showdown. Over the last seven competitive duels, wages of victory and defeat have alternated, with Borussia wrestling the upper hand most recently (5:2 at home in March 2022). The last tie in this clash took place in February 2013 (Gladbach 1:1).
Over the past three Bundesliga meetings, a total of 19 goals have been bagged. In the 52 consecutive duels between the two teams, at least one goal has been scored in every clash, with the last 0-0 match dating back to April 1994. Gladbach put an end to their 11-match losing streak against Dortmund with a 4-2 triumph in January 2021—the longest losing run Gladbach has ever suffered against any opponent.
Gladbach's nine defeats against Dortmund despite leading 1-0 set them apart as the only team with such a record. Gladbach's 12-0 blowout of Dortmund in April 1978 is the Bundesliga's highest-scoring match, where a team scored 12 goals—a rare feat only achieved by Gladbach in this match. Sadly for Gladbach fans, their last nine visits to Dortmund haven't been fruitful, scoring just four points in their last 21 visits. However, Gladbach triumphed in six of their eleven encounters in Dortmund between 1981 and 1987 under Jupp Heynckes.
Masters of the Duels
Seoane endured his first Bundesliga loss against Dortmund (September 11, 2021, in a 4:3 draw with Leverkusen). Julian Weigl played for Dortmund from 2015 to early 2020 (116 Bundesliga appearances, three goals). Grant-Leon Ranos was a youth team player at Dortmund in 2017/18. Christoph Kramer scored an own-goal from 45 meters in Dortmund (0:1 defeat in 2014). Florian Neuhaus struck a goal-of-the-month contender from 50 meters in the 2016 A-Youth Championship's semifinal for 1860 against Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. Nico Elvedi scored both his Bundesliga braces in a 4-2 win against Dortmund in January 2021—a feat he won't soon forget.
Marco Reus transferred to BVB from Gladbach in 2012 (36 goals in 97 Bundesliga games for the Foals) and scored 11 goals against his former club in 16 Bundesliga matches. Ramy Bensebaini joined BVB in the summer of 2023 (95 Bundesliga appearances with 19 goals for Gladbach). Nico Schlotterbeck netted three Bundesliga goals against Gladbach, surpassing any other team with his strikes. Nonetheless, all his goals came while donning the Gladbach jersey.
Call of the Coach
Sven Jablonski will preside over the match in Dortmund, aided by Sascha Thielert and Lasse Koslowski. Patrick Ittrich serves as fourth official, while Christian Dingert monitors potential controversial scenes as video referee.
Gladbach and Dortmund: A Tale of Rivalries and Revival
The fascinating history of Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga matches is accented by significant milestones and powerful rivalries.
Historic Matches
- Dominant Era: Gladbach's rise to glory in the 1970s culminated in five Bundesliga titles (1970, 1971, 1975, 1976, and 1977) and two UEFA Cup titles (1975 and 1979).
- Humiliating Defeat: Borussia Mönchengladbach stamped their authority on the Bundesliga with a 12-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 1977-78 season—the largest margin of victory in Bundesliga history.
Rivalries
- Rhein Derby: The fierce rivalry between Gladbach and FC Köln is known as the “Rhein Derby” due to their geographical proximity.
- Revierderby: Although upstaged by the "Revierderby" (Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04), Gladbach and Dortmund share a long-standing and intense rivalry.
Revival and Star Players
- Gladbach's Resurgence: Under the leadership of coaches like Lucien Favre and Marco Rose, Borussia Mönchengladbach resumed its place as a Bundesliga contender.
- Fulfilling Favors: Robert Lewandowski netted his first Bundesliga goal against Dortmund in the Revierderby, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
In Essence
The history of Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund is a treasure trove of memorable match-ups, epic rivalries, and thrilling moments. Borussia Mönchengladbach's golden era in the 1970s and subsequent comeback under dynamic coaches—coupled with the vast 1978 victory and ongoing rivalries—establishes their encounters as among the most captivating in Bundesliga history.
