Borussia Gladbach celebrates derby victory against Cologne - rise out of the crisis!

Borussia Gladbach celebrates derby victory against Cologne - rise out of the crisis!

In the Rhenish derby on November 9, 2025, Borussia Mönchengladbach beat 1. FC Köln 3-1, ending an eight-game winless home series. Coach Eugen Polanski fielded the same starting eleven that won the previous game against St. Pauli. The team's tactics were a defensive 5-3-2, which left Cologne little room for maneuver. After a subdued first half, Borussia got off to a strong start in the second half and allowed the fans to experience jubilant moments that are still on everyone's lips today. Torfabrik reports that the stadium was sold out with 54,042 spectators.

The game started calmly as both teams initially appeared to be concerned about safety. Already in the 10th minute, Bülter tried his luck with a shot at the near corner, but it was saved by Cologne goalkeeper Schwäbe. In the 16th minute it was Elvedi whose header was again canceled out after a cross from Sander. Cologne had more possession of the ball - around 60 percent at halftime - but the team did not penetrate decisively into the opponent's half.

Penalty drama and goals for Gladbach

The first exciting minutes brought the first highlight: in injury time of the first half, referee Deniz Aytekin awarded a penalty for Gladbach after a VAR check. Tabaković stepped up, but Schwäbe impressively parried his shot. Then Sander shocked the Cologne team before the half-time whistle when he made it 1-0 with a header from a corner (45th + 2).

After the half-time break, Gladbach had several opportunities to extend the result. In the 61st minute, the hand penalty was due, which Diks was able to convert safely. Just two minutes later, Tabaković made it 3-0 after a strong cross from Honorat. While Cologne tried to work on the goal, Kaminski had a great chance when his shot hit the crossbar. Another goal by Waldschmidt was disallowed due to an offside position.

Cologne comes too late, Gladbach celebrates

In the final phase, Waldschmidt converted a penalty in the 90th + 2 minute to make it 3-1, but there was no longer enough time to start a comeback. Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok was disappointed after the game and was critical of some refereeing decisions that, in his opinion, influenced the game. Meanwhile, Gladbach's sports director Rouven Schröder was optimistic and said that Polanski's performance offers a chance of a permanent position as a coach.
Sportschau summarizes that despite the defeat, Cologne fired 17 shots on goal, but Gladbach managed to use their own chances effectively.

With this result, Gladbach left the relegation zone, while Cologne has to prepare for the next tough game against Eintracht Frankfurt. Both teams are now looking further ahead as the Bundesliga break soon brings the next exciting match day.