Mönchengladbach's European comeback trail

 After earning what Christoph Kramer callled "three absolutely massive points" at FC Bayern München, a UEFA Champions League place is in sight for VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach. 

 Published: Monday 23 March 2015, 11.20CET
 Lucien Favre's side have made a habit of causing the champions problems and here they judged their tactics perfectly, Brazilian striker Raffael scoring in each half as Gladbach picked the hosts off on the counterattack. "These were three absolutely massive points," explained midfielder Christoph Kramer. "We originally wanted to defend a bit higher yet we struggled in the first half. But as time progressed we got a grip on the game and shut down space in the middle, which meant Bayern were only dangerous from crosses. Our second goal was a real boost and it was vital, as we had invested a lot until that point."
With Bayern looking tired and unsettled – due in part to an early injury to Arjen Robben – Gladbach timed their attacks to perfection. "It was tough for us as Bayern were great in the first 20 minutes," coach Favre concluded. "We then took a lucky lead but the second half was much better and we came up with good solutions. But it was only one match, only three points. It's behind us already."
If the Swiss trainer was reluctant to crow about his team's achievements, it may be because more exciting challenges lie ahead for the Foals. A little unlucky to lose to holders Sevilla FC in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, Mönchengladbach now find themselves third in the Bundesliga, crucially eight points clear of fifth-ranked FC Schalke 04. Fourth place would mean a tilt at UEFA Champions League qualifying (where Mönchengladbach last featured in 2012/13, succumbing to FC Dynamo Kyiv); third or higher and they would be back in the competition proper for the first time since reaching the semi-finals in 1977/78.

Five-time German champions – and two-time UEFA Cup winners – in the 1970s,          Mönchengladbach's

stock dipped considerably in subsequent decades, yet should they make it to next season's group stage, huge credit will go to Favre, whose judicious squad rotation has helped his side register six victories and just one defeat in nine top-flight games since the winter break.
"We've been consistent through the second half of the season, but this was a big achievement," said sporting director Max Eberl after Sunday's win. "A victory in Munich is worth three points like any other game, but our rivals picked up points this weekend too, so a victory like this – which few thought we were capable of – feels endlessly satisfying." A seat alongside Bayern at Europe's top table might be more invigorating still.