Borussia Monchengladbach defeats Aston Villa 2-1 in preseason friendly

Borussia Monchengladbach defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in a preseason friendly match held at Borussia Park on August 15, 2026. The victory concludes a successful preseason for Monchengladbach, who won all four of their August exhibition matches.

Kevin Diks, a defender for the Indonesian national team, played the full match as a center-back alongside Jan Leszczynski. Diks played a key role in the opening goal in the 32nd minute by providing a precise through ball to Fanck Honorat, which eventually led to Tim Kleindienst scoring. Kleindienst scored again in the 35th minute via a header from a Kevin Stöger corner to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Aston Villa managed to reduce the deficit in the 69th minute when John McGinn scored following a cross. Despite the late goal, Monchengladbach held on for the win. Coach Eugen Polanski opted to keep the defensive pairing of Diks and Leszczynski on the pitch for the duration of the match.