BERLIN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Monchengladbach ended their disastrous Bundesliga start with a 3-2 comeback victory at VfB Stuttgart on Friday, as Wael Mohya inspired the visitors to their first points of the season and helped avert an unwanted league record.
Having lost their opening six matches, Gladbach faced becoming the first Bundesliga club to begin a campaign with seven consecutive defeats. Despite fielding a depleted side, Alexander Blessin's team overcame an early deficit to secure a deserved victory.
Stuttgart struck after just five minutes when Ermedin Demirovic fired from distance following Dzenan Pejcinovic's pass. Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas reached the ball but could not prevent it from crossing the line.
The hosts initially controlled proceedings and threatened through Pejcinovic and Lorenz Assignon before Gladbach gradually found their rhythm.
Joe Scally equalised in the 38th minute, cleverly redirecting Zento Uno's effort into the net with his heel.
The visitors nearly completed the turnaround before halftime, but Stuttgart goalkeeper Dennis Seimen denied Florian Neuhaus before Mohya struck the crossbar.
Gladbach maintained their momentum after the restart and took the lead in the 51st minute. Mohya dribbled past two defenders before finding Shuto Machino, who drove the ball into the top corner.
Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness responded with a triple substitution, introducing Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss, but the visitors extended their advantage in the 66th minute.
Seimen failed to gather Mohya's low effort, and although Ramon Hendriks cleared off the line, Scally recovered possession near the right post and lifted the ball back towards Mohya, who bundled it home from close range.
Demirovic reduced the deficit with a header from Leweling's cross in the 83rd minute, but Stuttgart could not find an equaliser despite late pressure.
"A lot of pressure has been lifted. The players have fully rewarded themselves today. We invested more in the game and showed greater passion," Gladbach sporting director Rouven Schroeder said. "The win is a relief for the entire club, but it can only be a starting point."
Despite the victory, Gladbach remain bottom with three points from seven matches, while Stuttgart sit 14th with six points after their fifth league defeat. ■
