There was a time when Borussia Mönchengladbach were one of FC Bayern’s most feared opponents. For many Munich fans, the clash with the colts has long been an unpleasant must-win. But those days seem to be over for good. Ahead of tonight’s Bundesliga match (20:30, live on DAZN), the game feels more like a dress rehearsal for the record champions‘ upcoming Champions League duties
While Bayern are stable in sporting terms and are clearly on course for the Bundesliga title, Gladbach have been stuck in mid-table for some time. The balance of power between the two traditional clubs has shifted accordingly
Gladbach were Bayern’s opponents of fear for a long time
Historically, Borussia Mönchengladbach was a real problem for FC Bayern for a long time. No other club in the Bundesliga scored as many goals against the record champions as the Foals
Munich conceded a total of 143 goals against Gladbach – also a negative record. 28 defeats against Borussia also represent a historic high
Bayern’s emphatic 5-0 cup defeat in the 2021/22 season also remains unforgettable, when the record champions were literally overrun by Gladbach
The balance of power has shifted
Since then, however, the picture has changed completely. FC Bayern have won all of their last five encounters against Gladbach. What is particularly impressive is that they have even won the three most recent meetings without conceding a goal
Should Bayern also win the upcoming match, it would be their sixth win in a row against Borussia – a new record in this tradition-steeped duel
The first leg of this season ended with a 3-0 win for Munich at Borussia-Park, although the result was clearer than the actual course of the game suggested
Kompany could rotate
The Gladbach game could play a special role for coach Vincent Kompany, especially in view of the tight fixture list. The game takes place just six days after the Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund and only four days before the important first leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League at Atalanta Bergamo
The question therefore arises as to whether Kompany will rest some players and rotate them. Reserves such as Lennart Karl in particular could be given a chance. The 18-year-old has recently been on the bench twice for the entire season and is pushing for minutes of action
In attacking midfield, Karl is currently battling with Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala for a place in the ten
Another player could also be in focus in the Gladbach game: Manuel Neuer. The Bayern captain has recently had to take a break due to a muscle fibre tear in his calf. The clash with the Foals could be the perfect opportunity for the 39-year-old to regain match practice and get back into rhythm in time for the important Champions League game in Bergamo. According to Vincent Kompany, the keeper is ready for action again
This gives the game against Gladbach a double significance, as FC Bayern are not only looking for three points in the Bundesliga – but also for optimal preparation for the crucial weeks of the season.