Young Boys 1-3 Gladbach

Young Boys 1-3 Gladbach

(Sulejmani 56' – Raffael 11', Hahn 67', Rochat (own goal) 69')

Borussia Mönchengladbach took a huge step towards qualifying for the Champions League group stages after beating Swiss side Young Boys 3-1 in Bern in their first leg tie.

The Bundesliga side were favorites going in to the tie but few expected Andre Schubert's side to win so convincingly at the first attempt. The Foals now go in to the second leg with not only a two-goal advantage but three vital away goals to boot.

The opening goal didn't take long for Gladbach, when experienced forward Raffael received a cross from Thorgen Hazard at the back post of the Young Boy's goal, only to then cut inside and fire an impressive shot past the goalkeeper just after the 10 minute mark.

Despite controlling large portions of the first half, the Foals momentarily lost their composure when the home side struck back just after half time when Yoric Ravet got down the line and fired in a low cross for Miralem Sulejmani to tap in at the back post.

However it wasn't long before Gladbach were able to reestablish their dominance with a smart finish from Andre Hahn before a volley from Raffael deflected off Young Boys defender Alain Rochat and in to his own net.

"We didn't have as many chances in the 2nd half, but we were a lot more effective which is great,” said a modest Schubert at full time. "I'd have liked us to have a bit more possession. We need to work on building up more pressure."

Gladbach's second leg with the Swiss side will take place on August 24 at Borussia Park.