Kiel shock Augsburg to ignite relegation escape | OneFootball

Holstein Kiel stun Augsburg with clinical display to boost survival hopes

After last weekend's morale-boosting victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Kiel showed real grit to add a triumph at Augsburg to their battle for survival, with Alexander Bernhardsson's double and Shuto Machino's 11th goal of the campaign proving invaluable to the visitors.

WANT MORE NEWS LIKE THIS? FIND MORE ARTICLES ON THE OFFICIAL BUNDESLIGA APP.

Augsburg 1-3 Holstein KielGoals: 0-1 Machino 25‘, 0-2 Bernhardsson 40‘, 0-3 Bernhardsson 51’ (assist: Skrzybski), 1-3 Mounié 90’

Despite being winless in their last three games, the hosts were expected to provide stern opposition at their WWK Arena home, especially with Jess Thorup's side still with outside hopes of a European finish ahead of this game.  In fact, Augsburg looked dangerous early on, with Mert Kömür twice coming close to opening the scoring, only to be denied by Thomas Dähne on both occasions.

Machino has been in fine form for Kiel this season, scoring 11 goals. (Adam Pretty)

However, Kiel - second from bottom in the standings - have been demonstrating a keen determination to avoid the drop of late and against the run of play here, they were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute when Bernhardsson was fouled in the box. Machino stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, giving the visitors a surprise lead.

Bernhardsson's goal gave Kiel breathing space at half-time. (IMAGO/Eduard Martin)

Augsburg continued to press for an equaliser, but Kiel's defence, marshalled by the excellent Dähne in goal, held firm. The hosts' frustration grew as the half wore on, and Kiel capitalised with a swift counter-attack in the 40th minute. Steven Skrzybski slipped Bernhardsson through on goal, and although the Swede's initial shot was blocked, he was able to nod home the rebound delightfully.

Machino was injured whilst trying to stop Claude-Maurice from getting forward. (IMAGO/Frank Hoermann/SVEN SIMON)

The only blemish on Kiel's fantastic first half was the injury suffered by Machino shortly before Bernhardsson made it 2-0. The Japanese international was later seen on crutches, which will be a real worry for the club ahead of their remaining two games.

Samuel Essende looked lively early on, but as the game progressed, the Kiel defence were able to marshall him fantastically. (Adam Pretty)

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with Augsburg pushing forward in search of a goal. However, it was Kiel who struck again, Bernhardsson completing his brace in the 51st minute with a powerful finish after another nice through ball from Skrzybski.

Augsburg continued to create chances, with Alexis Claude-Maurice particularly lively, but Dähne produced a series of outstanding saves to maintain Kiel's three-goal advantage.

As the match entered its final stages, Augsburg's pressure finally told. In the 90th minute, Steve Mounié scored a consolation goal for the hosts, but it was too little, too late. The final whistle breathed new life into Kiel's survival campaign.

Player of the Match: Thomas Dähne

While Bernhardsson's brace will rightfully grab the headlines, it was Dähne's heroics between the sticks that truly secured the victory for Kiel. The goalkeeper made an impressive seven saves throughout the match, many of them from close range and in crucial moments. His performance was particularly notable given Augsburg's dominance in possession (65 percent) and shot count (26 to Kiel's 7). Dähne's ability to organise his defence and maintain concentration despite long periods of pressure was key to Kiel's unexpected triumph.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Augsburg 2.75 - Kiel 1.97Fastest player: Cédric Zesiger (Augsburg), 33.78 km/hLowest goal probability: 0-2 by Bernhardsson (Kiel), 7.72 percentMost pressed player: Claude-Maurice (Augsburg), 29 times under pressurePass efficiency: Claude-Maurice (Augsburg), +3.29

Fantasy Heroes: Dähne (Kiel, 290 Points), Bernhardsson (Kiel, 278 Points), Claude-Maurice (Augsburg, 296 Points)

LIKED THE ARTICLE? FIND MORE ARTICLES ON THE OFFICIAL BUNDESLIGA APP.