BERLIN – Enzo Crivelli’s last-gasp winner helped Istanbul Basaksehir defeat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 and eliminate the German side from this season’s UEFA Europa League, while Wolfsburg progressed after edging St-Etienne thanks to Paulo Otavio’s goal on Thursday.
Monchengladbach started their match in a positive vein, as they knew they needed to avoid defeat in order to advance into the knockout stages.
Florian Neuhaus created the first chance of the game but the midfielder was unable to beat Basaksehir goalkeeper Gunok Mert following good build-up work from Marcus Thuram.
The Foals controlled proceedings and possession but they had to wait until the 31st minute before Thuram tapped home Stefan Lainer’s cross to break the deadlock.
Monchengladbach were in complete control but the visitors from Istanbul were able to restore parity against the run of play after Kahveci Irfan Can’s shot crept past Yann Sommer in the Monchengladbach goal just before the break.
After the restart, Monchengladbach created more chances but Patrick Herrmann was unable to beat Mert following a one-on-one at the hour mark.
Basaksehir had two chances of their own through Crivelli, while Mert had to be alert to deny Alassane Plea in the 86th minute.
The deciding goal came at the other end of the pitch, as Crivelli headed a cross past Sommer to clinch a late win, though the Foals rattled the post through Thuram in the dying seconds of the game as they poured forward in search of an equalizer.
The victory lifted Basaksehir into first place in Group J with 10 points. AS Roma finished second with nine points and qualified for the knockout stages, while Monchengladbach (8 points) ended their Europa League season in third place, followed by Wolfsberger AC (5 points).
Elsewhere, Paulo Otavio’s goal was enough for Wolfsburg to down St-Etienne 1-0 in Group I. The visitors from France created one noteworthy chance but Wolfsburg keeper Pavao Pervan denied Arnaud Nordin.
With the win, the Wolves booked their berth in the next round after finishing in second place, behind Belgian frontrunners Gent but ahead of St-Etienne and Olexandriya of Ukraine.
