A win for either side going into the fixture would see them safely through to the next round. Gladbach came into the game top of group A while the hosts, Villarreal were a point behind. In the reverse fixture on Matchday one the sides drew 1-1 at Borussia Park. 

Cheryshev stormed through early doors and slotted Uche in on goal but Jantschke was able to just do enough to put the Nigerian forward off. Up the other end, Raffael and Hrgota countered after a defensive error. In the end, the ball was played back to Traore who would sky the ball both high and wide.

Sommer was caught in no man's land as he attempted to retrieve a corner but thankfully Raffael was on the line to clear Bruno's good headed effort away from goal. 

Costa done well down the left and rolled in Vietto who would open the scoring slotting under the flailing arms of Sommer to send the yellow submarine faithful into ratchers just before the half hour mark.

Trigueros would sting the hands of Sommer with an interesting shot from outside the box minutes later as the hosts began to take over at El Madrigal.

As the half came to a close, Gladbach got clumsy on the ball and could barely keep a hold of it.

Villarreal went in to the half as deserving leaders and it was evident that Gladbach would have to up their game big time if they wanted anything out of the game.

Gladbach came out a completely different side and instantly looked dangerous. Hrgota tested Asenjo with a quick costless kick and then was first to the rebound which Asenjo saved spectacularly. 

Gladbach eventually drew level fifty-six minutes in after Raffael cut inside and unleashed a swerving effort from range that Asenjo couldn't stop from hitting the back of the net.

Five minutes later though, Villarreal took the lead for the second time through Cheryshev who capitalised on a defensive slip from Korb and battered it home from just outside the six yard box.

Villarreal's lead was short lived as Gladbach were level almost instantly, This time it was  Xhaka who scored after taking the paint off the ball from a costless kick that Asenjo had no chance in stopping. 

In the final ten, Gladbach substitute Herrmann came agonisingly close to putting the visitors ahead for the first time but very luckily for Villarreal, the post was there to deny Herrmann from all but confirming all three points for die Fohlen.

It was undoubtedly a game of two halves and both sides go into Matchday six knowing that a win will secure their spot in the last thirty-two of the competition.

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About the author
Cammy Anderson
Calcio-editor-in-chief Email: [email protected]