Monchengladbach vs. Barcelona: Score, Reaction to 2016 Champions League Match

Barcelona earned its second win of the 2016-17 Champions League group stage, beating Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on Wednesday night at Borussia-Park.

Thorgan Hazard had the home side ahead early, but Arda Turan canceled out his opener. Gerard Pique delivered the winner to secure three points for Barcelona.

While Barcelona is the reigning La Liga champion, Fox Soccer noted recent history pointed to Gladbach getting a positive result Wednesday:

Gladbach haven’t lost at home in all comps since Jan. 23 (vs Dortmund)Barcelona failed to win their last 3 games in Germany (D1 L2). #UCL

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 28, 2016

The German side showed no fear in the first half, using its counterattack to great effect through the first 45 minutes. The opening goal illustrated how quickly Gladbach can turn defense into attack.

In the 34th minute, Raffael took the ball away from Sergio Busquets just inside his own half with help from teammate Mahmoud Dahoud. Over the span of nine seconds, Raffael passed ahead to Dahoud, who found Hazard for the goal.

Fox Soccer shared a replay of the devastating counter:

Gladbach punish Barcelona on the counter as Dahoud serves up Hazard brilliantly for the game’s first goal. #UCLonFOX https://t.co/9jDjm5MpMf

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 28, 2016

Ross Dunbar of DW Sports thought the sequence highlighted some of Gladbach’s biggest strengths:

That’s where Gladbach are deadly. Dahoud’s precision on the break, combined with rapid speed and an idea of what pass to play. #BMGFCB

— Ross Dunbar ⚽☕ (@rossdunbar93) September 28, 2016

With the goal, Hazard maintained his impressive run of form, according to WhoScored.com:

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