bundesliga

Holstein Kiel stun Borussia Dortmund in six-goal thriller

14.01.2025

Holstein Kiel raced three goals in front at half-time and survived a late Borussia Dortmund comeback to seal a highly dramatic 4-2 win that boosts their Bundesliga survival bid.

Holstein Kiel 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Machino 27' (assist: Bernhardsson), 2-0 Harres 32' (assist: Rosenboom), 3-0 Bernhardsson 45+4' (assist: Harres), 3-1 Reyna 71' (assist: Anton), 3-2 Gittens 77' (assist: Beier), 4-2 Arp 90+8'
Red card: Holtby 86'

The Bundesliga's midweek Matchday 17 kicked off with a stunning upset as newly-promoted Kiel overcame Dortmund 4-2 at the Holstein Stadion. Kiel took a commanding 3-0 lead into half-time on a foggy night before weathering a late Dortmund comeback attempt to land a historic win as Dortmund's away struggles continued to mount.

Holstein Kiel had plenty to cheer in their unexpected victory over Borussia Dortmund - Stuart Franklin

The hosts started the match with intensity, catching Dortmund off guard. Shuto Machino broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a well-placed shot. Just five minutes later, Phil Harres doubled Kiel's lead with a powerful header from a Lasse Rosenboom. The hosts' dream first half was capped off in stoppage time when Alexander Bernhardsson slotted home to make it 3-0, leaving Dortmund shell-shocked

Shuto Machino scored the opening goal for Holstein Kiel with a powerful drive past Gregor Kobel. - IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images

Dortmund emerged from the break with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off in the 71st minute when substitute Giovanni Reyna found the back of the net with a well-placed shot from outside the box. Jamie Gittens further reduced the deficit six minutes later, setting up a tense finale, and Kiel's resolve was tested when Lewis Holtby received a straight red card in the 86th minute for a rash challenge. Despite being a man down, the hosts managed to hold on and even extended their lead in the dying moments of the game, with Fiete Arp scoring to seal a memorable 4-2 victory.

Watch: Nuri Şahin on 'shameful' defeat to Kiel

Player of the Match: Alexander Bernhardsson

Bernhardsson was the standout performer in Kiel's historic victory. The Swedish midfielder not only scored the crucial third goal but was also instrumental in setting up the opener. Bernhardsson's energy and direct play caused constant problems for the Dortmund defence, and he showed great composure to slot home his goal just before half-time. His performance was capped off with the highest fantasy points for Kiel, underlining his all-round contribution to the team's success.

It was a night to remember for Alexander Bernhardsson and Kiel. - Stuart Franklin

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Holstein Kiel 2.03 - Borussia Dortmund 1.32
Fastest player: Emre Can (Dortmund), 34.02 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Alexander Bernhardsson (Kiel), 84.25 percent
Most pressed player: Jamie Gittens (Dortmund), 31 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: David Zec (Kiel), +1.99

Watch: Emre Can bemoans away form

Fantasy Heroes: Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel, 249 Points), Phil Harres (Holstein Kiel, 216 Points), Lasse Rosenboom (Holstein Kiel, 188 Points)