Gladbach down Mainz

Two goals within five minutes were enough for Borussia Monchengladbach to beat Mainz 2-0.

Two goals within five minutes were enough as Borussia Monchengladbach won at home against Mainz to move closer to the European places. Mike Hanke scored in the 58th minute and Juan Arango netted a memorable goal in the 63rd to decide the contest. Gladbach collected just their second win in the last five matches to improve to 24 points - level with the final Europa League spot. Mainz saw their modest two-game winning run ended to remain on 23 points. The first chance of the game went to Mainz after 12 minutes as Andreas Ivanschitz's shot was blocked by Gladbach keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and cleared by Oscar Wendt. Adam Szalai had an opportunity in the 17th minute but could not get enough power behind his header from seven yards. Ter Stegen made a superb save after 35 minutes in a one-on-one situation against Shawn Parker. The visitors were again dangerous a minute before the break as Szalai's header from eight yards went just past the left post. Gladbach proved more efficient, converting their first chance for the opening goal in the 58th minute. Havard Nordtveit passed to the right side to Tony Jantschke, who crossed for Hanke to finish first time. And the hosts doubled the lead five minutes later with a sensational goal by Arango, who collected a clearance from outrushing Mainz keeper Heinz Muller and flighted the ball back over the keeper and in from 45 yards. Mainz were deflated by that goal and could not muster a meaningful sight of goal in response, while Gladbach were happy to sit on their lead.