Monchengladbach 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings: Sander's Unfortunate Own Goal Makes Leverkusen Share Points

Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer 04 Leverkusen shared the points after a 1-1 draw at Stadion im Borussia-Park. The result reflected a balanced contest in which both sides had their moments. In this article, we'll discuss Monchengladbach vs Bayer Leverkusen player ratings from the enthralling Bundesliga clash.

The home team started the match with great intensity and was rewarded early. Yannik Engelhardt opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing well after Gladbach applied sustained pressure. At that stage, the hosts looked confident and in control, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose.

Leverkusen responded calmly and gradually grew into the game. As expected, they began to dominate possession and dictate play in midfield. Just before half-time, Gladbach suffered a setback when Philipp Sander scored an own goal, bringing the visitors level and shifting the match's momentum.

The second half was evenly contested, with both teams showing discipline and caution. Leverkusen came close to taking the lead when Patrik Schick struck the post, while both goalkeepers produced important saves to keep the score unchanged. In the end, neither side could find a winning goal, and a draw was a fair outcome after a competitive encounter.

Key Takeaways

1. Yannik Engelhardt scored early to give Borussia Mönchengladbach the lead in the 10th minute.
2. Philipp Sander’s own goal just before half-time brought Bayer Leverkusen level.
3. Patrik Schick hit the post in the second half as Leverkusen pushed for a winner.

Monchengladbach Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen

Here are Monchengladbach player ratings from the Bundesliga fixture:

Goalkeeper

Moritz Nicolas - 6.5: Couldn't do anything about the unfortunate own goal that deflected past him. Made a couple of important saves, including a key stop late in the game to preserve the point. His distribution was a bit shaky at times, but he was solid when called upon for shot-stopping duties.

Defenders

Kevin Diks - 6.5: A typical mixed-bag performance. He was booked in the first half for a clumsy challenge. His passing was tidy and he made some crucial recoveries. However, he also lost a few important duels. Did enough to hold his own but wasn't spectacular.

Philipp Sander - 6.0: You have to feel for the guy. He was having a decent game, reading the play well with six interceptions and four clearances. Then, the incredibly unlucky own goal happened, which ultimately cost his team two points. It's a cruel game sometimes, and that moment overshadows his otherwise solid defensive work.

Nico Elvedi - 7.0: Looked very composed at the back. His passing was almost flawless, with an incredible 98% accuracy. Made a couple of vital blocks and was a calming presence. A very reliable performance from the defender, who didn't put a foot wrong all game.

Midfielders

Yannik Engelhardt - 7.5: What a start he had. He was in the right place at the right time to smartly finish for the opening goal. He was a creative spark for his team, even creating a big chance. A tireless runner in the midfield, his impact waned a bit as the game went on but he was easily Gladbach's best player.

Kevin Stöger - 7.0: A proper midfield battle-axe. He was everywhere before being substituted, drawing fouls and breaking up play effectively. Won most of his duels and kept the ball moving. The yellow card was a result of his committed style. His energy was missed after he came off.

Jens Castrop - 7.0: A bundle of energy on the flank. He won an impressive nine duels and made six tackles, showing his tenacity. He forced a good save from the keeper but will be kicking himself for missing a big chance. A very active and involved display.

Lukas Ullrich - 6.0: The captain struggled to impose himself on the game. He was caught in possession a few times and looked vulnerable defensively, being dribbled past twice. He worked hard for the team, but it was a frustrating evening for him where little went his way.

Rocco Reitz - 6.5: A very busy performance from the other captain. He showed his creative side by setting up two chances. However, he was also a bit careless, losing possession far too often and making an error that led to a Leverkusen shot. It was an up-and-down performance from our perspective.

Forwards

Franck Honorat - 6.5: He showed flashes of danger and created two good opportunities for his teammates. However, his final ball and decision-making let him down. He lost the ball 13 times, which really stunted his team's attacking momentum. Needed to be more clinical.

Haris Tabakovic - 6.0: Had a great chance early on that forced a good save but that was about it. He struggled to get involved in the game and was isolated for long periods. It was no surprise to see him substituted in the second half.

Substitutes

Alejo Sarco - 6.0: Came on for Tabakovic but didn't offer much more of a threat.
Joe Scally - 6.0: Brought on to provide fresh legs but had little impact on proceedings.
Hugo Bolin - N/A: Not on long enough to make a significant impact.
Fabio Chiarodia - N/A: A late defensive change.
Shuto Machino - N/A: Introduced late into the match.

Manager

E. Polanski - 6.5: His team started brilliantly and deservedly took the lead. The setup was effective in the first half. However, his substitutions didn't quite have the desired effect to find a winner. Securing a draw against a strong Leverkusen side is a decent result, but he'll feel it could have been more.

Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings vs Borussia Mönchengladbach

Check out Bayer Leverkusen player ratings from the drawn game against Monchengladbach:

Goalkeeper

Janis Blaswich - 8.0: An outstanding performance and our clear Man of the Match. He made five saves, including a couple of top-class stops to deny Gladbach. Commanded his area with authority and his handling was secure. Without him, Leverkusen would have surely lost this game. The highest-rated player on the pitch for a reason.

Defenders

Jarell Quansah - 6.5: Saw a lot of the ball and was very neat in possession, but we noticed he was rarely tested defensively. It was a comfortable, if unspectacular, outing for the defender. He did his job without any fuss but wasn't a standout.

Loïc Badé - 6.0: Only played the first half before being substituted. He made five clearances and was solid enough. Didn't do much wrong, but the manager clearly wanted a change in approach for the second half. A decent, if short, appearance.

Edmond Tapsoba - 7.0: A commanding presence at the back. He was excellent on the ball, with 94% pass accuracy, and dominant in his defensive duties with six clearances. He read the game expertly and snuffed out several Gladbach attacks. A very strong and reliable performance.

Midfielders

Ezequiel Fernández - 6.5: Kept things ticking over nicely in the midfield before he was taken off. His passing was crisp and he helped Leverkusen control the tempo. A solid, if unspectacular, shift in the engine room.

Arthur - 5.5: This was a day to forget for him. From our perspective, he looked off the pace. He lost eight of his eleven duels and gave away four fouls, struggling with the physicality of the game. He just couldn't get a foothold in the match.

Alejandro Grimaldo - 7.0: The captain was a whirlwind of activity. He created two chances, including a big one, and was a constant outlet on the left. The downside was his wastefulness, losing possession a massive 21 times. A chaotic but ultimately effective performance.

Aleix García - 8.0: Simply sensational. He ran the show from midfield with an incredible 130 touches and 114 accurate passes. He was the conductor of the orchestra, dictating the entire pace of the game for his team. An absolutely masterful display that deserved a winning goal.

Forwards

Jonas Hofmann - 6.5: A quiet return to his old stomping ground. He was involved in some nice buildup play but failed to create anything of real substance. Worked hard but lacked the cutting edge we know he possesses. A fairly anonymous performance by his standards.

Malik Tillman - 7.5: Leverkusen's most potent attacking threat. He created three chances for his teammates and was a nightmare for the Gladbach defence with his dribbling. He was strong, winning eight duels, and always looked to make something happen. A really bright and impressive performance.

Patrik Schick - 6.0: A hugely frustrating evening for the big striker. He was a real handful physically but his finishing was off. Desperately unlucky to see his powerful shot cannon back off the post and also missed a big chance. The yellow card summed up his frustrating night.

Substitutes

Ernest Poku - 6.5: Looked lively after coming on at half-time.
Exequiel Palacios - 6.0: Came on and got a yellow card, adding some bite to the midfield.
Martin Terrier - 5.5: Made little impact and also picked up a booking.
Christian Kofane - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.
Robert Andrich - N/A: A late sub to see out the draw.

Manager

K. Hjulmand - 6.5: His side dominated possession but lacked a clinical edge in the final third. His half-time change to bring on Poku added some impetus. He'll be content with a point on the road, but will also know his team could have found a winner with better finishing.

Man of the Match

Sportsdunia's player of the match was Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich.

Worst Performer

Arthur failed to unleash his full potential in the Monchengladbach vs Bayer Leverkusen game.