Second-placed Leipzig held to Gladbach stalemate

RB Leipzig failed to close the gap on Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Munich after playing out a 0-0 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday evening.

The team sitting second entered the fixture riding high following eight victories in their previous 10 league outings, yet the deadlock means they remain five points adrift of the title holders despite having one extra match under their belt.

Borussia Moenchengladbach, who lingered near the bottom of the table for much of the initial campaign, arrived on a hot streak with four consecutive triumphs and largely controlled the action on the pitch.

Leipzig lacked the flair up front without their young midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, sidelined by a knee problem from the previous Sunday's 2-0 victory against Werder Bremen.

"One silver lining is maintaining a shutout," remarked Leipzig's German defender David Raum to Sky Germany, noting that "our attack lacked sharpness today".

"Still, securing a point on the road feels solid, given Gladbach's current surge and home advantage."

Just past the break, Gladbach's Franck Honorat thought he had scored, but video officials ruled it out for offside.

In the 75th minute, the hosts earned a penalty when Japan's Shuto Machino tumbled inside the area, though a review rescinded it after Leipzig's Willi Orban made contact with the ball.

David Raum came closest for Leipzig, striking the post's inner side with about 10 minutes left to play.

This season, Leipzig has surprisingly vied for honours with a youthful lineup, following key exits during the off-season.

Xavi Simons moved to Tottenham, Benjamin Sesko signed with Manchester United, and Lois Openda transferred to Juventus, prompting a squad overhaul in their inaugural window led by new Red Bull director of football Jurgen Klopp.

The club backed by Red Bull suffered a 6-0 thrashing in their opening game against Bayern but has tasted defeat just once more since then.

That said, they risk ending the weekend nine points off Bayern's pace should the leaders overcome bottom-feeders St Pauli at home on Saturday. They could also slip from second if Bayer Leverkusen defeats Borussia Dortmund.