Berlin, Sep 19 (IANS) Monchengladbach and Villarreal shared the spoils following a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League Group A opener.

Monchengladbach's Patrick Herrmann handed his side the lead before Villarreal's joker Ikechukwu Uche secured his side one point on the road Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Both sides staged an evenly balanced match yet Monchengladbach created more promising chances in the first half.

Monchengladbach's Oskar Wendt registered the first chance of the game when he pulled just wide with a long-range effort.

However, the visitors from Spain posed a threat on counter attacks but Denis Cheryshev failed to overcome goalkeeper Yann Sommer one-on-one.

As the match progressed the Germans focussed on fast breaks but neither Herrmann nor Branimir Hrgota were able to turn their promising chances into a tangible reward.

Things changed after the break as Villarreal piled on pace to put the hosts under pressure.

Villarreal's efforts were rewarded in the 68th minute when substitute Uche, who was fielded one minute earlier, overcame Yann Sommer to restore parity.