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Borussia Monchengladbach recorded their first win in the Europa League group stages this season with a thumping 5-0 victory over Apollon Limassol.
The German side had drawn both of their first two matches 1-1 but a brace from Ibrahima Traore and one each from Branimir Hrgota, Patrick Hermann and an own goal from Angelis Angeli ensured there was nothing close about this result.
Romanian coach Ioan Andone had only taken charge of Apollon seven days before the match but it was quickly uncomfortable viewing.
Bruno Vale had already made two saves before poor defending allowed Hrgota to find Traore, and he made no mistake with the finish.
Vale was called into the action again in the 29th minute to deny Max Kruse, and on the verge of half-time he kept out Thorgan Hazard's effort.
Apollon began the second half better and Hugo Lopez forced a first real save out of Yann Sommer in the 52nd minute.
But four minutes later Hrgota grabbed the all-important second, Traore the creator this time with a shot saved by Vale from which Hrgota converted the rebound.
They were a potent partnership and they were at it again in the 67th minute, Hrgota finding Traore, who drove his shot beyond Vale from the edge of the box.
Hermann replaced Hrgota with 11 minutes left and needed only four minutes to get on the scoresheet, converting Hazard's pass.
The Belgium international thought he had had the final word himself in stoppage-time, but his shot took a wicked deflection off Angeli and went down as an own goal.
The victory took Monchengladbach into second place in Group A, two points behind leaders Villarreal.
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APL
