AMSTERDAM – Fabian Johnson shined on his Borussia Mönchengladbach debut, notching an assist while working two positions in a 3-2 opening leg victory over Europa League playoff round hosts FK Sarajevo.
The US international, who arrived on a free summer transfer from Hoffenheim, got the start at right back. Johnson was among those culpable on Sarajevo's second equalizer, losing the crosser as Haris Duljević knotted the game in the 59th minute.
Shortly thereafter, Johnson was shifted up to right wing, where he almost immediately had a chip shot cleared off the line. On 73 minutes, the debutant got loose on the flank and centered for Branimir Hrgota to fire in his second of the night.
Elsewhere, Brad Friedel served as Tottenham back-up as the visitors got a leg up by topping Cypriot side AEL Limassol 2-1.
Both ties will switch locales for next Thursday's deciding matches, with the aggregate winners moving on to join Tim Howard's Everton in the group phase.
