Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen end their pre-season with impressive victories over Premier League regulars. Eugen Polanski’s side beat Europa League champions Aston Villa 2-1, while Leverkusen won by the same scoreline against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Tim Kleindienst scored both goals for Gladbach in the first half as the Germany international showed his readiness level after only making three appearances due to a serious injury last season.
Unai Emery’s side scored their consolation goal through John McGinn, a couple of minutes after their Brazilian youngster Alysson was sent off for a second booking. Summer signings David Herold, Isac Lidberg, Daiki Hashioka, Enzo Leopold and Jan Leszczynski played their first game at Borussia-Park.
Meanwhile, Nico Elvedi was absent from the matchday squad as he’s about to join Leeds United to replace HSV-bound Sebastian Bornauw. Joe Scally is also rumored to leave the club this summer, but he played the last half hour on Saturday.
Over at Newcastle, Leverkusen opened the scoring through Ibrahim Maza in the first minute. Newcastle United equalized with a goal from Germany defender Malick Thiaw before Victor Boniface’s 82nd-minute goal sealed Leverkusen’s victory. Arsenal-linked Jarell Quansah wasn't in Leverkusen's squad as he was on an extended post-World Cup vacation as England were in the tournament until the very end.
Malik Tillman played from the start, although BILD reported earlier on Saturday that the club is ready to listen to offers for the US international. Boniface’s goal would do the Nigerian striker good as he hopes to convince the bosses by winning his place after an injury-riddled loan at Werder Bremen.
Carles Martinez’s Leverkusen lost to Nottingham Forest in the midweek as they now ended their England trip with a victory. Nick Woltemade played as a late substitute in his St. James’ Park debut for German coach Matthias Jaissle.