Darmstadt 98 and Borussia Mönchengladbach deliver a high-scoring duel with two completely different halves. A sending-off puts the Hessians off course for victory.

Borussia Mönchengladbach avoided the drop to a relegation place thanks to a furious comeback in overtime and deprived SV Darmstadt 98 of their first win after their return to the Bundesliga. The Foals’ 3-3 draw in front of 17,810 spectators on Sunday made up for a 3-0 deficit at the break and caused frustration among the decimated Hessians.

Marvin Mehlem in the 8th minute, Matej Maglica (10th) and Tim Skarke (34th) crowned a furious first half for the Lilies, who had to play almost the entire second half in a reduced number after a red card for Maglica (49th) for handball in their own penalty area. Tomas Cvancara’s penalty was saved by Darmstadt goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen, but he was powerless to save the goals conceded by Jordan Siebatcheu (56th), Florian Neuhaus (73rd) and Cvancara (77th).

“It’s all about being poisonous and gallant,” said Lilien coach Torsten Lieberknecht before the game. His team implemented this rule right from the start. The home side played with commitment and were quickly rewarded.

After veteran Tobias Kempe had just missed the goal with a free kick, Mehlem gave the Hessians an early lead. The midfielder suddenly had a clear run after a long shot from captain Fabian Holland and beat the visitors’ goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas.

The actual number three in goal for Borussia, who had to play after the absences of Jonas Omlin (shoulder surgery) and Jan Olschowsky (illness), was again powerless shortly afterwards with a header from Maglica. Again, the Gladbach defence was not up to the task.

Coach Gerardo Seoane’s team also did not get much going in attack. The visitors were hardly ever dangerous in front of the Darmstadt goal – and when they did, they lacked precision.

The hosts continued to have the better chances. First Holland failed with a long-range shot against Nicolas (15th), then the midfielder hit the post after half an hour. The third goal was therefore a logical consequence. Skarke fired the ball into the corner after the ball had been deflected too short. In injury time, Nicolas saved the disoriented visitors from an even greater deficit with two strong reflexes.

Seoane reacted to the disappointing performance of his team at the break and brought on four new players after the restart. The visitors now had a clear advantage on the field and, after Siebatcheu’s beautifully played goal, new hope.

Darmstadt tried to counter-attack and almost succeeded, but Emir Karic failed to hit Nicolas with a brilliant shot on the hour mark. As the game wore on, the pressure from the visitors increased. The home side had little to counter this, so that in the end they were even well served with the draw.