Based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Borussia Mönchengladbach currently plays in the top-tier of German soccer – the 1. Bundesliga. The club is currently in fourth place in the 2011/12 Bundesliga...

Based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Borussia Mönchengladbach currently plays in the top-tier of German soccer – the 1. Bundesliga. The club is currently in fourth place in the 2011/12 Bundesliga...

Does this promise to be a great week for football or what? In the middle of the week, we have the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, with top-ranked Real Madrid taking on third-ranked Bayern Munich on Tuesday and Chelsea hosting Barcelona on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday is the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final between Mexican clubs Santos Laguna and Monterrey.

During the World Cup 2006 quarter-final penalty shoot out between Germany and Argentina, Jens Lehmann's stellar performance was attributed to a cheat sheet he kept stuffed under his shin pad, detailing the spot-kick habits of La Albiceleste's finest.

When last night's DFB Pokal semi-final between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich ended goalless after 120 minutes, Mönchengladbach shot stopper Marc-André ter Stegen attempted to replicate Lehmann's heroic feats, with a similar note prepared by goalkeeping coach Uwe Kamps.

It shouldn't come as any surprise that the same twenty-five in clubs from last week's rankings are all in this week's edition. That's been pretty standard recently. Nevertheless, there was more movement than usual this week because of movement at or near the top of the tables in several of Europe's top leagues.

Unsere beiden Videokolumnisten Kevin & Mark haben jede Woche etwas zu sagen. Sie analysieren die Bundesliga, geben Tipps ab oder machen einfach nur ein wenig Stammtisch-Trash-Talk. Fantastisch, und das alles während sie im Auto sitzen und on the Road sind. Besucht Kevin & Mark auf Facebook oder besucht die Beiden mal auf ihrem Blog.

While Barcelona's Clásico win at Real Madrid captured headlines around the world, it was not the only significant result in Europe this weekend.

Spain
The Liga focus fell squarely on the Santiago Bernabéu this weekend as Barcelona injected fresh drama into the title race with a 3-1 comeback win at Madrid.

Supercalifragilistic, Borussia Mönchengladbach
FC Köln 0-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach (25:11:11)
Life couldn't get much better for fans of Borussia Mönchengladbach. Nick Coppack was in the away end as Die Fohlen (the Foals) stormed to the top of the Bundesliga courtesy of a three-nil away win at their rivals, FC Köln.

Supercalifragilistic, Borussia Mönchengladbach
FC Köln 0-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach (25:11:11)
Life couldn't get much better for fans of Borussia Mönchengladbach. Nick Coppack was in the away end as Die Fohlen (the Foals) stormed to the top of the Bundesliga courtesy of a three-nil away win at their rivals, FC Köln.

Supercalifragilistic, Borussia Mönchengladbach
FC Köln 0-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach (25:11:11)
Life couldn't get much better for fans of Borussia Mönchengladbach. Nick Coppack was in the away end as Die Fohlen (the Foals) stormed to the top of the Bundesliga courtesy of a three-nil away win at their rivals, FC Köln.

Supercalifragilistic, Borussia Mönchengladbach
FC Köln 0-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach (25:11:11)
Life couldn't get much better for fans of Borussia Mönchengladbach. Nick Coppack was in the away end as Die Fohlen (the Foals) stormed to the top of the Bundesliga courtesy of a three-nil away win at their rivals, FC Köln.

His technique is exquisite. His movement is terrific. His vision is breathtaking. His quality is unquestionable.

He is 22 years of age. He is one of the Bundesliga's hottest properties. His name is Marco Reus, and he is the latest star to emerge from German football.

After a blistering start to the season, Reus has been thrust into the spotlight, and many top clubs around Europe have taken notice of his fine performances.

The last weekend in Europe ahead of the international break saw Real Madrid extend their lead in La Liga while Udinese and Lazio took advantage of some Juventus's match being postponed to move to the top of Serie A.

Spain
Real Madrid have a three-point lead at the top of the Liga table over Barcelona after Barca need a late goal from Lionel Messi to grab a point at Athletic Bilbao.

Multiple reports in American soccer media and Italian dailies have U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Michael Bradley leaving Germany for Italy's Chievo Verona.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach man is on the outs and a move to the Serie A was exactly what new USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said was necessary for Bradley when he indicated that Bradley was left off the upcoming international friendly rosters for Costa Rica and Belgium to sort out his club situation.

Borussia Mönchengladbach's Northern Curve celebrates the fact that their club lived to see another year in the Bundesliga, by retelling the story of their epic escape through triptychs, culminating in the 1-1 away draw against Bochum in the relegation play-offs. Set to the soundtrack of the great Italo Western opera Once Upon a Time in the West.

Borussia Mönchengladbach's Northern Curve celebrates the fact that their club lived to see another year in the Bundesliga, by retelling the story of their epic escape through triptychs, culminating in the 1-1 away draw against Bochum in the relegation play-offs. Set to the soundtrack of the great Italo Western opera Once Upon a Time in the West.

Come join Minnesota supporters of the Men's National Team, along with readers of IMSoccer News, duNord Futbol, American Outlaws Mpls. & St. Paul Chapters and the Dark Clouds supporters group for a US National Team watch party.

The US National Team plays Mexico in their first game since the 4-2 defeat to El Tri in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final.

Come join Minnesota supporters of the Men's National Team, along with readers of IMSoccer News, duNord Futbol, American Outlaws Mpls. & St. Paul Chapters and the Dark Clouds supporters group for a US National Team watch party.

The US National Team plays Mexico in their first game since the 4-2 defeat to El Tri in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final.

The Bundesliga is back in its 49th incarnation and Friday's curtain raiser was both wonderful and frightening frightening at least for Bayern, Leverkusen and who else might have had vague hopes to win the league next year.

Dortmund 3-1 Helpless SV. Defending champions Dortmund kicked off the new season in style and with a promise of beautiful football, only they seem to be able to deliver this season.

GK: Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton) DEF Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls) MID: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca) FOR: Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo.

Jurgen Klinsmann's first US National Team roster has been announced and really there aren't too many shockers listed here.

There were plenty of shocks to this roster like DC's Bill Hamid or seeing some names like Michael Orozco Fiscal again. Seven MLSers were called this time, which is great to see.

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION - Detailed Roster

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), José Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Jurgen Klinsmann has released his line up for the upcoming friendly versus Mexico.

GOALKEEPERS (2):
Bill Hamid (D.C.United)
Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (8):
Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne)
Edgar Castillo (Club America)
Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg)
Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
Clarence Goodson (Brondby)
Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis)
Heath Pearce (Chivas USA)
Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
MIDFIELDERS (7):
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)
Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Maurice Edu (Rangers)
Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04)
Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
José Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (5):
Freddy Adu (Benfica)
Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls)
DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla)
Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt)
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Known by USA soccer fans as the parent club of standout midfielder Michael Bradley, Borussia Mönchengladbach, is a German football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia. The team currently plays in the top-tier of German soccer the 1. Bundesliga. As the Die Fohlen (the Foals) prepare for next season, the Borussia Mönchengladbach Lotto 2011/12 away [.

Known by USA soccer fans as the parent club of standout midfielder Michael Bradley, Borussia Mönchengladbach, is a German football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia. The team currently plays in the top-tier of German soccer the 1. Bundesliga. As the Die Fohlen (the Foals) prepare for next season, the Borussia Mönchengladbach Lotto 2011/12 away [.

In the second part of three, Stoppage Time's look around the European leagues focuses on twelve leagues from Georgia to Montenegro via Germany, Greece and Italy.

GEORGIA

FC Zestaponi are looking forward to their first venture into the UEFA Champions League next season after winning their maiden Umaglesi Liga title with a six point margin over record champions Dinamo Tbilisi.

As far as 0-0 draws go, this would have been one of the better ones. It turned out to be one of the better 1-0 victories, thanks to an injury time winner by Mönchengladbach's Igor de Camargo. A goal not without a bit of controversy as it was scored during Fergie time 14 seconds into the third minute of two minutes of extra time.

Heute Abend gehts um die Wurst. Die Arbeit einer ganzen Saison steht auf dem Spiel. Während Gladbach den Strohhalm Relegation nutzen kann eine schlechte Saison nochmal zu retten, geht es für Bochum darum nicht in zwei Spielen das weg zu werfen, was man sich in einer ganzen Saison erspielt hat. Doch wer ist im Vorteil bei diesen Relegationsspielen, der Bundesligist der viele viele Spiele verloren hat und nicht überzeugen konnte, oder ist es der Zweitligist, welcher eine gute Saison gespielt hat und viele Siege einfahren konnte?

Lange Zeit war Borussia Mönchengladbach das Schlusslicht der Fußball-Bundesliga; doch kurz vor Schluss rettete Lucien Favre – der Nachfolger des während der Saison entlassenen Trainers Michael Frontzeck – die Gladbacher doch noch auf den 16. Tabellenplatz. Dadurch konnte die Borussia den direkten Abstieg zumindest abwenden; der Klassenerhalt ist jedoch auch noch nicht geschafft.

• The situation at the bottom of the table ahead of the final matchday. (Bundesliga Talk)
• Best bit of skill seen at Hamburg's ground for quite a while. (Dirty Tackle)
• St. Pauli spent 90 minutes on stranger tides and now return to known waters. (Guardian)
• The quiet comeback of Kaiserslautern.

English speaking BVB fans are on cloud nine. Their German speaking counterparts are on cloud seven. But maybe there's a way to bring the two together for the big party on May 14th. Roman Weidenfeller will volunteer as a translator. A 2-0 victory over Nuremberg clinched Dortmund's seventh German championship and the first title after nine years, thanks to Leverkusen doing, what Leverkusen does best.

All four Champions League semi-finalists lost over the weekend, with Tuesday's opponents FC Barcelona and Real Madrid beaten in the same round of matches for the first time in two years and Manchester United following up a setback for rivals Schalke with their own loss at Arsenal. The celebrations were able to begin for Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, as Jürgen Klopp's men captured the Bundesliga crown.

Der VfL Wolfsburg konnte im Kampf gegen den Abstieg einen ganz wichtigen Sieg einfahren. Am gestrigen Ostersonntag gewannen die Niedersachsen zum ersten Mal seit Felix Magath das Team im März übernahm: Gegen den 1. FC Köln zeigten die Wölfe eine couragierte Leistung und gewannen letztendlich verdient mit 4:1.

Dortmund need to postpone their lap of honor through the Bundesliga. Manuel Neuer may have made the "next big step" in his career from one Europa League bound club to another. A wild winning spree at the bottom of the table leaves Cologne and St. Pauli as this weekend's biggest losers.

Leverkusen 2-1 Hoffenheim.

• St. Pauli has some soul searching to do. (Twohundredpercent)
• Bundesliga Rewind looks back at one of the most famous 1970's clashes between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich. (Bundesliga Fanatic)
• Nobody cares about Rot-Weiss Oberhausen, except for Patrick. (ESPN Soccernet)
• The former #1 of Lower Saxony finally returns to the 2.

• St. Pauli has some soul searching to do. (Twohundredpercent)
• Bundesliga Rewind looks back at one of the most famous 1970's clashes between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich. (Bundesliga Fanatic)
• Nobody cares about Rot-Weiss Oberhausen, except for Patrick. (ESPN Soccernet)
• The former #1 of Lower Saxony finally returns to the 2.

Bayern Munich, freshly freed from Louis can Gaal's dictatorship, do a Schalke and put five past a sorry opponent. Leverkusen, being that opponent, suffered a severe case of title race deja-vu. Dortmund seized the opportunity to put one hand on the Bundesliga shield. Elsewhere teams struggled to achieve that one decisive victory to escape all their relegation woes.

Das Freitagsspiel der Bundesliga lautete gestern Abend, Mainz 05 gegen Borussia Mönchengladbach, also Europaleagueanwärter gegen Absteiger. Wie die Paarung schon verspricht wurde es das erwartet eher durchwachsene Spiel, in welchem Mainz am Ende den Borussen duch Schürle sein 1:0, den Last-Minute-K.

Tja Gladbach, das wars dann wohl. Bis gestern Abend hab ich noch gedacht " Das wird nochmal spannend mit dem Favre und die kommen bestimmt nochmal ran", aber wer so gegen einen direkten Konkurenten spielt... 2.Liga wir kommen! Dieser Kick war nicht Bundesliga-reif! Kein Wunder, dass ein krasser Patzer entschied: Gladbach-Keeper Logan Bailly stümperte sich den Ball zum 0:1 selbst ins Tor.

New Borussia Mönchengladbach coach Lucien Favre looks at the task ahead.