When Small Clubs Ran Riot: Borussia Monchengladbach

Borussia Monchengladbach

Pardon me? This German club with an almost unpronounceable name was Bayern Munich’s chief rivals during the 1970s, and remains one of the most beloved clubs within Germany.

The Stars: Where do we start? Playmaker Gunter Netzer was considered one of the greatest passers in history. The club was also home to dogged defender Berti Vogts, whose legacy would be up there with the gods of the game if not for his disappointing tenure as national team coach. There was also Danish forward Allan Simonsen, who was named European Footballer of the Year in 1977. And don’t forget current Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes, who topped the German scoring charts in 1974 and in 1975.

The Trophy Cabinet: It was chock full. During the club’s so-called “Golden Decade,” Borussia won five Bundesliga titles, including three in a row from 1975 to 1977. They appeared in the UEFA Cup final four times, winning in 1975 and 1979. They also featured in the 1977 European Cup final, losing to Liverpool.

What happened? Like at other small-town clubs in the 1980s, players started to demand more money, and when Borussia couldn’t afford to pay, they were forced to sell. By the 1990s, the club’s fortunes were hit and miss, as they bounced between the Bundesliga and the second division. The club currently sits in the middle of the Bundesliga table, with the relegation zone comfortably out of sight for at least one more season.

A Moment to Remember: In 1971 Borussia destroyed Inter Milan 7-1 in the European Cup. However, midway through the match Inter striker Roberto Boninsegna collapsed on the ground, claiming he had been hit by an empty Coke bottle.  (Most people agree that he was faking.)  Inter protested the result and UEFA granted a re-match, which ended in a goalless draw.

Gunter Netzer proves how far a good pass can get you in life

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