FC Bayern Stumbles in Gladbach

Borussia Mönchengladbach has only been so-so defending their home turf this season.

Die Fohlen -- the Foals -- were only 3-1-2 coming into this match, but when a proud club with a strong heritage gets its shot at the international face of the Bundesliga, extra motivation kicks in.

It worked.

Despite a furious second half by FC Bayern, they couldn't overcome a two-goal deficit and were sent packing, 2-1.

Not that pride was the only motivation.

Gladbach is pushing hard for a spot in Europe next season. They're a hardened, well-disciplined side that knows how to exploit an opening when they see it and then morph into ferocious protectors that would put a tear in José Mourinho's eye.

It was their attack that set the tone straight from the kickoff, and they wouldn't be denied until, finally, Thorgan Hazard gained a penalty in the 39th minute and subsequently buried it.

Die Roten were still trying to recover from that one when they lost track of Matthias Ginter five minutes later. He made the most of Lars Stindl's excellent service, and that part of their program was carved in stone.

All they needed to do then was hold on.

So, with virtually every match stat in their favor except for the score, all Bayern had to show for the day was  Arturo Vidal's lovely parting gift.

Meanwhile, Gladbach continues to rise.

Wiedersehr, Malcom, aus Deutschland!