Borussia MG - Athletic Club

Athletic Club played out a goalless against Borussia Mönchengladbach in what was our first friendly of the new pre-season. It was a decent performance in which the Lions mostly controlled the 45-minute match.

Only a lack of accuracy in the box and a couple of good saves by the German’s side goalkeeper prevented Ernesto Valverde’s lads from winning the coach’s first game back in charge after five years.

Athletic were lively from the onset, putting Gladback under heavy pressure with a constant high press. The Germans barely had a sniff at Julen Agirrezabala‘s goal in the opening stages.

Young winger Nico Williams had the Lions’ first major chance of the game, just firing wide from the right after being set up by Mikel Vesga.

Not long later, Unai Vencedor went close from a well-worked corner routine, before Iñaki Williams narrowly missed the target with a volley after some good play down the right flank.

Nico also had a chance with a header from an Alex Berenguer cross. An opening goal seemed a certainty, and centre-back Dani Vivian was unfortunate not to put Athletic ahead, his header from Iker Muniain‘s corner being well saved by Gladbach’s keeper.