Tabakovic inspired Gladbach trash St.Pauli to claim first Bundesliga win

Here’s how St. Pauli’s meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach played out this afternoon on Matchday 9 of the Bundesliga.

Two of the Bundesliga’s most out-of-sorts teams in terms of form met this afternoon as St.Pauli welcomed Borussia Mönchengladbach to the Millerntor-Stadion. In what was expected to be a tight game, the Foals steamrolled their host 4-0 to claim their first league win. 

Chances were few and far between for both clubs as they got to grips with eachother. Perhaps the best opportunity fell Gladbach’s way on 12 minutes as Elvedi picked out the run of Ullrich whose cross narrowly evaded the onrushing Haris Tabakovic in the box.  

The visitors surged ahead three minutes later when Nikola Vasilj’s costly misplaced pass gave Polanski’s men a 1-0 lead. Florian Neuhaus intervened and fed Tabakovic who squeezed a shot beyond the despairing gloves of his Bosnian counterpart in the St.Pauli goal. 

The hosts responded with a barrage of shots through Wahl, Pereira-Lage and Sinani which tested Moritz Nicolas. While the post denied Joe Scally from doubling Gladbach’s lead, they eventually made it 2-0 when Honorat squared for Tabakovic to bag his brace before half-time. 

Alexander Blessin, visibly frustrated by his side’s efforts, made a triple change in attack. Ceesay, Hountondji and Kaars entered the fray. Still, it was Gladbach with the better chances as Vasilj redeemed himself with a fine parry to deny Tabakovic on this occasion.

The 31-year-old, marksman deputising for long-term injury Tim Kleindienst, continued to threaten. Shuto Machino put the game to bed at 3-0 on 75 minutes when Tabakovic turned provider for the Japanese to strike with a venomous hit from the edge of the box. 

Eugen Polanski’s side refused to let up with 10 minutes remaining as Machino’s initial strike was kept out by Vasilj, but Oscar Fraulo was on hand to thump home. With that, the Foals ensured a valuable three points and their first triumph of the current Bundesliga campaign.