Raffael sparks Gladbach past sorry Stuttgart

BERLIN: Struggling Brazilian striker Raffael scored his first goal of the season to inspire Borussia Moenchengladbach to a 3-0 victory over Stuttgart and knock Bayern Munich off second place in the Bundesliga.

Raffael came off the bench to break the deadlock in a hard-fought game and help lift Gladbach into second, two points ahead of champions Bayern.

Against a resilient Stuttgart defence, chances were few and far between for Gladbach in the first half, but coach Dieter Hecking’s personnel changes paid off after the break.

Substituted on for Alassane Plea, Raffael missed a gilt-edged opportunity on 68 minutes, slicing a volley wide from point-blank range.

The Brazilian made up for it moments later, however, nodding in fellow substitute Florian Neuhaus’ cross to break his Bundesliga duck this season.

Neuhaus added a second himself on 77 minutes, sweeping the ball into the bottom corner from ten metres.

Stuttgart’s day then went from bad to disastrous as Erik Thommy was sent off for a second yellow card and, moments later, Benjamin Pavard turned the ball into his own net to make it 3-0.

“We saw today that we have players who can come off the bench and decide games,” said Hecking, who dismissed suggestions that his team were in the title race.

“At the moment, Borussia Dortmund are a long way ahead. If we are two points behind them with two games to go, then you can call us title candidates,” he said. — AFP

RESULTS

Mainz 1 Hanover 1, Borussia Moenchengladbach 3 Stuttgart 0.

Leading standings: Borussia Dortmund 36, Bor. Moenchengladbach 29, Bayern Munich 27, RB Leipzig 25, Eintracht Frankfurt 23.