The big Bundesliga scandal: Gladbach's historic 12:0 win explained!

The big Bundesliga scandal: Gladbach's historic 12:0 win explained!

On April 29, 2025, football fans can look back on a memorable date in the history of the Bundesliga. On this day, the spectacular encounter between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund, which took place in 1978. In a game that brought in the highest Bundesliga win of all time, triumphed Mönchengladbach with an almost incredible 12: 0 over the Dortmund href = "https://www.eurosport.de/alle-sportarten/special/2025/kein-ag-wieheder-der-hochste-bundesliga-Borussia-monchengladbach-schiesst-dortmund-mund-platz_sto2317103/story.shtml" Target = "_ blank"> Eurosport reports that this result is still considered the largest in the history of the league.

The decisive game of the 1977/78 season was not just about points, but also about the championship title. At that time, the 1st FC Köln and Borussia Mönchengladbach were tied at the top of the table, with Cologne a better goal difference. Target = "_ blank"> Wikipedia adds that Cologne won 5: 0 against FC St. Pauli at the same time, which increased the pressure on Gladbach, which had to win at least with eleven goals to secure the title.

The course of the game

The game itself took place in the Rhine Stadium in Düsseldorf, as the home stadium was renovated by Mönchengladbach. Despite these circumstances, 38,000 spectators flocked to the stadium to witness a historical football spectacle. Jupp Heynckes scored the first goal in the first minute. Within 22 minutes, Gladbach sensationally led 4-0. At halftime it was 6-0 in a game that was led by referee Ferdinand Biwersi. Wikipedia can be read, this was almost a demonstration of power by the Gladbacher.

In the second half, the Gladbacher continued their storm run and scored a total of six more goals. Jupp Heynckes crowned his performance with five goals, and the final result of 12: 0 remained anchored in the history books of the Bundesliga. according to Eurosport this was a masterpiece that was all the more important because of the dramatic events in the championship.

consequences and consequences

Despite the historical victory, Mönchengladbach could not win the championship. The 1. FC Köln secured the title due to the better goal difference. This led to a quickly upcoming restructuring at Dortmund. Coach Otto Rehhagel was released the day after the game and received the spotted name "Otto Torhagel". Wikipedia reports that the association also did fines from 2000 to 2500 marks against the players due to the disastrous performance.

In addition, there was speculation about possible game manipulations, which were made decisively by Dortmund. The German Football League finally did not hire a charge against the association, even if investigations took place. Eurosport adds that this position on the part of Dortmund did not make the events of the game better.