Super Eagles star Chidera Ejuke was again in action, but his effort was not enough to help Hertha Berlin avoid a defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Ejuke, who joined Hertha on loan from CSKA Moscow, played for 72 minutes, but despite giving his best, The Old Lady lost 1-0 at Borussia-Park.
Ejuke's strong performance not enough for Hertha Berlin
The Nigerian international came close to scoring for the away side, but his effort was dealt with by Yan Sommer in Monchengladbach's goal.
Ejuke also had one shot off while he completed four of his nine attempted dribbles. The ex-Heerenveen man had an 87% pass accuracy and won five duels.
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Hertha was second-best throughout the game, although they got close numerous times in the first half. The away side had four shots on target but could not convert.
Plea's penalty seals the win for Monchengladbach
Monchengladbach also had the same number of shots on target, but they converted one, courtesy of a penalty from Alassane Plea in the 34th minute.
Plea's goal ensured Daniel Farke's men went into the break with a one-goal lead. Hertha did try to find a way back into the game following the restart, but they offered no attacking threat.
The away side could have conceded more after Filip Uremovic was sent off for two bookable offences. However, Monchengladbach were unable to double their advantage despite firing two shots on target.
It did not matter, though, as the home side took the maximum points to go top of the Bundesliga after four games.