Raffael and Hazard score hat-tricks for Gladbach
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Article summary
Mönchengladbach 6-1 Young Boys (agg: 9-2)
Raffael and Thorgan Hazard each hit a hat-trick as Gladbach cruised into the group stage for the second season running.
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- Mönchengladbach beat Young Boys 6-1 to reach group stage in style
- The 9-2 aggregate scoreline is the biggest ever margin of victory in a play-off tie
- Thorgan Hazard and Raffael both bag trebles for German Bundesliga side
- André Schubert's team sail into group phase for second season running
- Key player: Raffael
- Group stage draw streamed live on UEFA.com from 18:00CEST on Thursday
Thorgan Hazard and Raffael scored hat-tricks as Borussia Mönchengladbach sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the second successive season with a thumping victory against Young Boys.
Leading 3-1 from the first leg of this play-off, the hosts took nine minutes to break the deadlock in front of their own supporters, Hazard side-footing in from close range after neat build-up play between Patrick Herrmann and Raffael. The Brazilian himself capitalised on a defensive mix-up to make it 2-0, before turning in Lars Stindl's accurate cross for Gladbach's third five minutes before the interval.
The pattern of play continued after the restart and only fine goalkeeping by Yvon Mvogo stopped Hazard extending the Borussia lead. The Belgian eventually claimed his second after latching onto Raffael's fine cross and then set up Raffael to complete his treble.
Yoric Ravet's thunderous volley pulled a goal back for Young Boys, but Hazard had the last laugh, finishing smartly late on to clinch his own hat-trick.
Foals' fearsome strike pairing
Last season it was Stindl who spearheaded Gladbach's attack alongside Raffael, but to say Hazard is establishing a fearsome partnership with the 31-year-old would be an understatement. Their understanding was telepathic at times and, in truth, both players could have inflicted further misery on the visitors from Switzerland.
Hütter's attacking approach backfires
YB's high line proved to be their undoing. Gladbach's fluid front four repeatedly managed to get in behind the Berne outfit and only a combination of wayward finishing and smart goalkeeping prevented a heavier beating.
Record broken
There was a murmur going into Wednesday's games about the record aggregate win for the play-offs being broken, but it all surrounded Manchester City. Josep Guardiola's team could only match the previous mark as Gladbach eclipsed them.
Reporter's view: Matthew Howarth (@UEFAcomMatthewH)
The Foals finished bottom of a group containing Juventus, Manchester City and Sevilla last term, yet on this evidence André Schubert's charges look well equipped to tackle Europe's best. Granted, they will face sterner tests in the coming weeks and months, but there are not many teams who will relish the prospect of playing Borussia – particularly in front of their home crowd.
