Borussia M'gladbach 2-1 Aston Villa: Kleindienst double sinks Villa (full highlights)

Borussia Mönchengladbach secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in their final pre-season friendly at Borussia-Park, with Tim Kleindienst scoring twice in three first-half minutes to seal the win for the hosts. The German striker opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, tapping in from close range after Frank Onyeka's low cross from the right, and then doubled the lead just three minutes later with a powerful header from Kevin Stöger's corner delivery. Aston Villa, playing without Emiliano Martínez for the first time since the summer of 2022 as the goalkeeper was given extended rest following Copa América, improved significantly after the break and pulled one back through captain John McGinn in the 69th minute with a long-range strike that arrowed into the bottom corner. Unai Emery's side made a raft of second-half changes, introducing James Wright at half-time in goal and bringing on Tammy Abraham and Alisson to bolster the attack, but they couldn't find an equaliser despite late pressure. The match also saw the return of Boubacar Kamara from injury, while new signing from Poland, Jan Leszczynski, made his first appearance for the visitors. Reports emerged after the game that Aston Villa had opened negotiations to sign Borussia defender Kevin Diks, which could have been the Indonesian international's final appearance for the club. Manager Eugen Polanski praised Kleindienst's performance, stating that the striker is essential to his new 3-4-3 system, while Emery admitted his side need to be more clinical in front of goal. The full match highlights and all goals are available to watch, with both sides now turning their attention to the start of their respective league campaigns.