Belgium striker Igor de Camargo gave Borussia c a 1-0 win at home to second-division VfL Bochum in Thursday's German league, first-leg play-off to put his side a step closer to safety.
Bundesliga side 'Gladbach will take a slender advantage back to Bochum on Wednesday in the second-leg after de Camargo tapped home with the last kick of the game following a goal-mouth scramble in the 93rd minute.
Although the fourth official had indicated there was two minutes of added time, there was controversy as two minutes 40 seconds of extra time was shown on the clock when the final throw-in that led to the goal was taken.
Referee Guenter Perl blew for the time immediately after the goal as the 'Gladbach players celebrated wildly, while Bochum were left fuming.
Having finished third from bottom of the Bundesliga last season, Moenchengladbach must beat Bochum, who finished third from top of the second division, to guarantee their place in the top tier next season.
In the play-off, the away-goals rule used in European competition applies. If the game is level after 90 minutes of the second leg, an extra 30 minutes will be played and then penalties will decide the match -- and a place in the Bundesliga for next season.