the fight continues as Borussia will not quit

By: otto | May 10th, 2009

With three remaining matches Hans Meyer’s Borussia continues to fight its way out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Schalke. The victory eases Borussia out of the relegation zone, albeit on goal differential, in a three-way tie with Arminia Bielefeld and Energie Cottbus.

Concerned with the visiting sides recent return to attacking form, Tomáš Galásek and Dante led a defending approach that gave little ground in the final third. Despite Schalke’s endless wave of attacks, Borussia’s defending was resolute in proper clearing and closing down lines and should that fail, a hero would emerge to save the victory. After early chances by Kevin Kurányi, Halil Altintop and Vicente Sánchez, each dealt with perfectly by Logan Bailly, Borussia locked further opportunities out through a determined united front. With much of the match played box to box, Borussia missed a chance to take the lead mid of the opening half when Marco Marin failed to convert from the spot following a penalty being awarded from Heiko Westermann’s infraction on Alexander Baumjohann in the area. Yet just after the hour Oliver Neuville leapt into action and if there was any doubt of the veterans significance status, as time wound down his created the winning strike via a fast-paced counter started by Tomáš Galásek sixty metre pass before crossing from the right to Roberto Colautti to finish near the spot.

The fight is on, three matches to play and Borussia will not be deterred. The comeback through the Rückrunde under Herr Meyer has been dramatic as die Fohlen have reversed defensive problems and playing as a mid-table team on the rise. With 54,000 “man of the match” in song, Borussia will not quit till the last minute is played and the last blade of grass is fought for.