Bundesliga title contenders Borussia Moenchengladbach missed the chance to close the eight-point gap on German league leaders Dortmund yesterday when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at mid-table side Nuremberg.

The only goal came when Nuremberg’s in-form striker Alexander Esswein squared the ball for Swiss forward Albert Bunjaku to fire home in the 87th minute.

“We didn’t play well,” admitted Moenchengladbach coach Lucien Favre whose side were beaten for the first time in their last 10 games, but at least have the consolation of staying in third place.

“We lacked penetration and we were too static at times.”

Germany striker Lukas Podolski scored with a late header to break Cologne’s run of three defeats as they drew 1-1 with Hoffenheim, but his team are still only three points from the relegation zone.

Bundesliga
Nuremberg vs B. M’gladbach 1-0; Hoffenheim vs Cologne 1-1.

Leading standings: B. Dortmund 55; B. Munich 48; Bor. M’gladbach 47; Schalke 44; Bayer Leverkusen 40; Werder Bremen 36; Hanover 35.

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