Gladbach end six-game losing streak with 3-2 comeback over Stuttgart

Borussia Mönchengladbach secured their first Bundesliga victory of the season with a dramatic 3-2 comeback against VfB Stuttgart on Friday, avoiding what would have been an unprecedented record for the league. After six consecutive defeats, Gladbach faced becoming the first Bundesliga club to begin a campaign with seven consecutive losses.

Stuttgart dominated the opening phase and took the lead in the fifth minute when Ermedin Demirovic fired from 25 metres following a pass from Dzenan Pejcinovic. Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas reached the ball but could not prevent it from crossing the line—the shot had a shot conversion probability of just 4 per cent. Despite the early setback, Gladbach gradually imposed themselves on the match. Joe Scally equalised in the 38th minute, using his heel to cleverly redirect Zento Uno's effort into the net after Maximilian Mittelstädt's poor clearance. The visitors nearly completed their turnaround before halftime, with Stuttgart goalkeeper Dennis Seimen denying Florian Neuhaus and Wael Mohya striking the crossbar.

Gladbach maintained their momentum after the break and took the lead in the 51st minute when 17-year-old Wael Mohya dribbled past two defenders down the left wing and pulled the ball back for Shuto Machino, who drove the ball into the top corner for his second goal of the season. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß responded with a triple substitution, introducing Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss, but Gladbach extended their advantage in the 66th minute. After Seimen failed to gather Mohya's low effort and Ramon Hendriks cleared off the line, Scally recovered possession near the right post and lifted the ball back towards Mohya, who bundled it home from close range. Ermedin Demirovic reduced the deficit with a header in the 83rd minute, but Stuttgart could not find an equaliser despite late pressure.

Gladbach fielded a heavily depleted squad, with 11 players unavailable due to various reasons including injuries and personal circumstances. Coach Alexander Blessin supplemented his side with players from the club's regional league team. The victory represents a turning point for the club under Blessin, who took charge after Eugen Polanski was dismissed following the third match. Gladbach's defensive vulnerabilities remain evident—they have conceded 21 goals in seven matches, including six long-range efforts, the highest in the league. Stuttgart, who delivered a strong Champions League performance against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday (drawing 1-1), struggled to replicate that form and remain in 14th place with six points from seven matches.