Borussia Moncehngladbach Captain Granit Xhaka was sent off for the third time this season as his side was forced to come from behind, recording a late 3-2 victory over SV Damrstadt.
Marcel Heller struck inside the first half hour for the visitors, only for Lars Stindl to cancel his strike out on the cusp of half time.
Die Folhen took the lead six minutes into the second half courtesy of midfielder Harvard Nordtveit’s free kick, however Darmstadt had other ideas, and Sandro Wanger, creator of the first goal for Heller, equalised with just over 20 minutes left to play.
A fast-paced last period saw Darmstadt in particular go close a number of times, however it was not to be. Stindl played Oscar Wendt into the box for the full-back to finish calmly and send Gladbach into fourth place heading into the Christmas break. Darmstadt now sit 13th ahead of the break.
Borussia Monchengladbach
Yann Sommer – 6: A quiet game bar the concession of two goals, with four saves but some shoddy distribution from the back.
Julian Korb – 6.5: Decent passing and a couple of good tackles rounded out an otherwise unremarkable day for the heads-down fullback.
Andreas Christensen – 6: An unspectacular game for the youngster, although the less we hear of a defender is often better.
Nico Elvedi – 6.5: Solid in the air and in the tackle, Elvedi also produced some good passing throughout the match.
Oscar Wendt – 7.5: Wendt scored the winner to cap off a fine performance, his tackling and aerial prowess a constant defensive barrier for the under-siege home side.
Thorgan Hazard – 6.5: Passed well but lost possession on a number of occasions, and struggled to really work himself into the match.
Harvard Nordtveit – 7.5: His delightful free kick put Gladbach ahead in the second half, and the midfielder passed and tackled well throughout.
Granit Xhaka – 5: His third sending off of the season already. A stupid reaction to a purposeful aggravation. A captain needs to be more composed. Going to cost his team big very soon.
Fabian Johnson – 6: Not his usual self out on the left, despite much of Gladbach’s play heading that way. Did not complete a dribble all match.
Raffael – 7.5: An ever-present threat for his side, the Brazilian carried the ball well with six dribbles in the match and passed well to boot.
Lars Stindl – 8: A goal and an assist in yet another sublime display. The striker really only hurt himself with a yellow card.
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