Early setback
Sebastian Hoeneß’s side went behind after just 21 seconds as Robin Hack gave the hosts an early lead. The Gladbach attacker added a second in the 20th minute, collecting Alassane Plea’s pass to finish a swift counter-attack following a long ball forward from Alex Nübel.
VfB grew into the game, however, and were unlucky to see Deniz Undav’s shot hit the outside of the post in the 31st minute. The striker drilled narrowly wide just five minutes later from Maximilian Mittelstädt’s pass, leaving VfB 2-0 down at the interval.
Vagnoman on target
The boys from Cannstatt were the dominant force throughout the second half, enjoying more possession from the outset. They reduced the deficit in the 56th minute via Josha Vagnoman’s impressive effort, but although VfB pushed for an equaliser until the end, it was Gladbach who scored again when Jordan put the finishing touch on another counter-attack in the 91st minute.
Third at the halfway stage
Despite the result, Hoeneß’s charges sit in third place in the Bundesliga standings now that the official halfway point of the season has been reached.
Goals
1st minute: VfB fall behind after just 21 seconds. Rocco Reitz plays the ball through for Hack, who leaves Nübel no chance from 16 yards.
19th minute: Nübel hits a long ball forward but Gladbach win possession, with Plea threading it through for Hack, who is left with a simple finish to make it 2-0.
56th minute: Vagnoman hits a superb shot from just inside the box to get VfB back in the game.
91st minute: Following a swift counter, Kouadio Koné hits the right-hand post. Jordan is on hand to tuck away the rebound to seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.