Holstein Kiel secure memorable draw from 2-0 down away at Bayer Leverkusen
Promoted Holstein Kiel fought back from 2-0 down inside eight minutes to earn a famous 2-2 draw away at champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Holstein Kiel
Goals: 1-0 Boniface 4’ (assist: Palacios), 2-0 Hofmann 8’ (assist: Palacios), 2-1 Geschwill 45’+5 (assist: Holtby), 2-2 Arp 69’ (pen.)
Leverkusen, sporting a special black kit reminiscent of their first-ever strip from 1907 to celebrate their 120th anniversary, were going into their 100th game under Xabi Alonso on day he marked two years in charge at the club. Kiel were bottom of the table on one point and yet to win a game in the Bundesliga.
Boniface and Hofmann ignite Leverkusen's flying start
The match burst into life almost immediately, with Leverkusen asserting their dominance from the off. Victor Boniface opened the scoring inside four minutes with a clinical finish, slotting the ball through goalkeeper Timon Weiner's legs after a slick pass from birthday boy Exequiel Palacios. The Nigerian striker's fourth Bundesliga goal of the season set the tone for what threatened to be a long afternoon for the visitors. Boniface's impact continued, as he forced Weiner into a full-stretch save just two minutes later. The champions' pressure paid off again in the eighth minute when Jonas Hofmann doubled the lead. Palacios provided his second assist of the match, finding Hofmann who fired low across goal and into the far corner. With two goals in eight minutes, Leverkusen appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory.
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Kiel's resilience shines through
Despite Leverkusen's dominant start, Holstein showed remarkable resilience. The visitors gradually found their footing, with Lewis Holtby leading the charge. His effort in the 22nd minute, narrowly missing the target, served as a warning shot to the hosts. As the first half drew to a close, Kiel's perseverance paid off. In the fifth minute of added time, Max Geschwill rose highest to meet Holtby's corner, powering a header past Lukáš Hrádecký to halve the deficit. This crucial goal not only kept Kiel in the game but also shifted the momentum, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Watch: Alonso: "We were deservedly punished"
Arp's penalty completes Kiel's comeback
The second half saw a reinvigorated Kiel side take the fight to Leverkusen. The visitors' tactical changes at half-time, bringing on Fiete Arp and Benedikt Pichler, proved instrumental. The game's turning point came in the 68th minute when Jeremie Frimpong brought down Armin Gigović in the box. Arp stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, levelling the score at 2-2. It was Arp's first Bundesliga strike since November 2017. The equaliser stunned the BayArena and completely transformed the match dynamics, with Kiel now pushing for an unlikely victory.
Late drama as both sides seek victory
The final 20 minutes saw both teams pushing for a winner, creating a thrilling end-to-end spectacle. Leverkusen, stung by the equaliser, mounted a series of attacks. Piero Hincapié and Martin Terrier both came close with headers, while Alejandro Grimaldo saw his effort blocked. Kiel, buoyed by their comeback, had their own chances to snatch victory. Pichler forced a superb save from Hrádecký with a header in the 73rd minute. As the match entered its final stages, both sides knew a single moment of brilliance could decide the outcome. However, despite the efforts of both teams and Leverkusen's habit of striking late, the score remained level at the final whistle as Kiel earned only their second point in the Bundesliga.
Player of the Match: Exequiel Palacios
Palacios marked his first start of the season and his 26th birthday in style with a performance that epitomised Leverkusen's creative prowess. The Argentine midfielder was at the heart of Leverkusen's dominant start, providing two crucial assists in the opening eight minutes. Palacios' vision and precise passing were instrumental in unlocking Kiel's defence, particularly for Boniface's opener and Hofmann's strike. Throughout the match, he continued to dictate play from midfield, showcasing his ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for his teammates. Despite the eventual draw, Palacios' influence on the game was undeniable, making him a standout performer on the day.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.13 - Kiel 1.71
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), 34.34 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Max Geschwill (Holstein Kiel), 46 percent
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), 53 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), +4.97
Fantasy Heroes: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, 365 Points), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, 340 Points), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen, 328 Points)
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