Wolfsburg beats Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga in the last game of the season
VfL Wolfsburg said a positive goodbye to the 2024/25 season. Nmecha secured their first win in ten games in a 1-0 win at Gladbach.
There was nothing left to play for in the Borussia Park on the final matchday, as the opponents from Gladbach and Wolfsburg had prematurely bowed out of the race for Europe due to their winless streaks – the Foals had been waiting for a win for six matches, the Wolves for nine.
Accordingly, the defensive lines also made lapses in concentration. Among others, Plea, who, like Itakura, returned to the starting lineup after the 2-0 defeat at FC Bayern Munich for Kleindienst (injured) and Chiarodia, had too much space in the opponent’s penalty area when he shot his shot (9′).
It was the beginning of Borussia’s best phase in the first 45 minutes: After a quiet start, they took the initiative and created opportunities: Sander, however, failed to beat Grabara (14th) and Reitz missed (15th).
Nmecha leaves Weigl’s mistake unpunished
The omnipresent latter then ended the attacking phase with a slack-jawed shot, allowing Majer to finish (19th minute). A few moments later, Weigl also invited the Wolves to score, but Nmecha—the attacker, who was replaced by Arnold (after serving his red card suspension) and Majer in the starting eleven compared to the 2-2 draw against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim , replaced Vranckx (bench), Fischer, and Wind (both injured and out of the squad)—failed to capitalize on his loss of possession in the build-up (21st minute).
The game, which was certainly rich in chances and therefore attractive, lost momentum as the game progressed. Only Majer – after one of Wolfsburg’s numerous long-range shots (38′) – and Hack – with a free header (45+2′) – had chances to score. However, it remained the only match on Matchday 34 to go into the break goalless.
Honorat and Stöger miss the equalizer
The spectators didn’t have to wait long, though. After Majer nearly scored an own goal (46th minute), Nmecha scored the 1-0 at the other end (50th minute). The striker, who scored all three of his goals this season against Gladbach, understandably thanked Amoura immediately: The attacker had provided a superb assist with the outside of his foot.
Against an initially somewhat stunned host, the Lower Saxony side continued to play actively, even with the lead behind them. The team from the Lower Rhine, however, lacked the passing speed and determination. Only two individual efforts by Honorat (66th) and Stöger (69th), the latter of which hit the post, were there any chances of an equalizer.
With the Wolves squandering the decisive goal through Maehle (78th) and Gerhardt (81st), the score remained at least tense. However, they failed to mount a final offensive, so the Foals ended the season with seven consecutive games without a win. The Lower Saxons farewelled on a more conciliatory note, albeit in a disappointing 12th place.
