With the optimal score of six points from two games, Holstein Kiel celebrated a perfect start to the new 2nd Bundesliga season. SpVgg Greuther Fürth is back on the ground after the brilliant 5-0 win in the opening game.
A double strike within three minutes by Jonas Sterner and Shuto Machino put Kiel on the road to victory after a Hrgota hit from 40 meters. Kiel moves up to second place in the table at least until Sunday afternoon.
2nd day of the game arrow right live ticker for reference: Kiel against Fürth arrow right
“It was a game at eye level. In the end, the win was deserved,” said Kiel’s coach Marcel Rapp, who praised his young team for coming back after the 0-1 defeat: “The young team is fun, it’s fun sometimes a mistake, but gives everything to the end.”
Two aluminum hits in the first round
The Kiel team, which was turned inside out in many positions in the summer, initially got into the game well, proved to be secure on the ball and strong in battle. As the game progressed, however, the guests became more and more dominant. Fürth let the ball run well through their own ranks and had the first notable chance through Tim Lemperle, but his header only landed on the post (22nd).
The game association then set the next exclamation mark after a stationary ball. Julian Green hit the crossbar with a free kick from around 25 meters out. The goal posts wobbled, but Kiel was able to clear (34′).
Fürth’s Hrgota hits spectacular
Kiel also started a little more actively in the second half, but gradually had to watch Fürth take control of the game again without any significant chances to score. And the table leader then took advantage of the first major mistake directly.
After a save by Kiel’s goalkeeper Thomas Dähne far in front of the goal, the ball landed with Fürth’s captain Branimir Hrgota, who shot directly from 40 meters and hit the empty goal (63′). “The only stupid thing we do is concede the two goals in quick succession,” said goalscorer Hrgota. Ultimately, that decided the game.
Wake-up call for Kiel
Because the Kiel “Storks” obviously needed exactly this Hrgota hit as a wake-up call, almost in direct return, the hosts brought the game equipment consistently and quickly in front of the goal and Jonas Sterner was promptly free and was able to insert unchallenged (68th).
And again a short time later, the next quick attack was successful. Shuto Machino was sent into the penalty area and cleared by Fürth goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. Machino converted the due penalty down right (71st).
Greuther Fürth welcomes St. Pauli
On Matchday 3, Greuther Fürth plays at home against FC St. Pauli (08/19/2023, 1 p.m.). Holstein Kiel then welcomes 1. FC Magdeburg on Sunday (1.30 p.m.).
