Holstein Kiel deserves new hope in the relegation battle with 4: 3 against Gladbach!

Holstein Kiel deserves new hope in the relegation battle with 4: 3 against Gladbach!

On April 26, 2025, Holstein Kiel celebrated a spectacular 4: 3 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the sold-out Holstein Stadium before 15.034 enthusiastic spectators. This important victory for Kiel not only remains in the memory, but is also crucial in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga. With this triumph, Kiel is now only three points behind the third last Heidenheim, who had put pressure on Kiel the day before, by scoring Mathias Honsak against VfB Stuttgart.

The beginning of the game was characterized by a courageous appearance of the Kiel team. Already in the 14th minute, Shuto Machino headed after a corner to the 1-0 lead. Just nine minutes later, Alexander Bernhardsson benefited from a mistake by the Gladbach defender Fabio Chiarodia to increase to 2-0. Kiel used the dynamics that had arisen by the support of the fans and had further chances, among other things through Lasse Rosenboom, which could not use an opportunity.

rapid turns in the second half

The second half was anything but conclusive. Gladbach reacted to the pressure and came to 2-1 through Tomas Cvancara in the 60th minute. Just nine minutes later, Alassane Plea even equalized to 2-2, which put the Kiel nerves to the test. But Kiel showed character and answered immediately with a goal by Armin Gigovic in the 75th minute to 3: 2.

The game took a dramatic turn when Franck Honorat equalized again in the 86th minute and provided the game to 3: 3. But in the hectic stoppage time, Kiel secured the victory with another goal from Shuto Machino, who set the final result to 4: 3. Coach Marcel Rapp was visibly relieved after the game and was positive about the closed team performance.

relegation battle and the next games

This victory creates the absolute pressure in the relegation battle. Holstein Kiel needs more points in the upcoming games, all of which are tricky, to have realistic chances of relegation. The remaining program includes challenges against FC Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund away and a home game against SC Freiburg. The 1. FC Heidenheim, which is now five points ahead of VfL Bochum, could be the next hurdle for Kiel, especially since both teams meet directly on the 32nd matchday. VfL Bochum will compete against Union Berlin on Sunday, which creates additional pressure on Kiel.

The episode from Kiel not only underlines the team's fighting spirit, but also gives an insight into the dynamics of the Bundesliga relegation battle, where each point can be decisive. According to Sportschau.de observes the events with concern, while Kiel played in white special jersey on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the club. The next games will show whether Kiel can continue the turnaround in the relegation battle.