BSS
  07 Oct 2023, 09:42

Scally stunner grabs point for Gladbach against Mainz

BERLIN, Oct 7, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - USA defender Joe Scally's stunning goal with two minutes remaining snatched a 2-2 draw for Borussia Moenchengladbach at home against Mainz on Friday.

Gladbach opened the scoring through Florian Neuhaus but Mainz netted in each half, first a spectacular strike from Brajan Gruda and then a solo effort from Aymen Barkok, to take the lead with 15 minutes left.

Scally's late goal, just his second in 65 games with Gladbach, stole a point for his side, leaving Mainz winless after seven games.

"It was a difficult game for us. Of course we wanted to win, but to get the 2-2 at the end, of course it's important," Scally told DAZN.

"I'm very happy to get my first goal of the season after not getting one last year.

"It was a nice goal."

Coming into the match after a first league win of the season at Bochum, Gladbach started well, Alassane Plea spurning two clear chances in the opening 20 minutes.

Neuhaus got Gladbach on the board shortly after, heading in a lofted cross from Franck Honorat.

Mainz hit back swiftly however, Gruda lashing a sublime shot high past Moritz Nicolas for the equaliser.

Chasing a first win of the season, Barkok put Mainz in front, slaloming 40 yards past several defenders before blasting home.

But Scally took it upon himself to equalise, beating a defender before lashing a dipping long-range finish past a diving Robin Zentner.

Mainz are one of three winless teams and sit in second-last place with just two points.