Machino brace clinches dramatic win for Kiel | OneFootball

Shuto Machino's late heroics seal thrilling 4-3 victory for Holstein Kiel against Borussia Mönchengladbach

Holstein Kiel secured a 4-3 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in a massive boost for their hopes of beating the drop. Shuto Machino starred with two goals, including a dramatic injury-time winner, in a superb match full of goals and some heroic goalkeeping.

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Holstein Kiel 4-3 Borussia MönchengladbachGoals: 1-0 Machino 15' (assist: Tolkin), 2-0 Bernhardsson 23', 2-1 Čvančara 60' (assist: Hack), 2-2 Pléa 69' (assist: Honorat), 3-2 Gigović 76', 3-3 Honorat 86' (assist: Kleindienst), 4-3 Machino 90'+1

Kiel emerged victorious in a seven-goal thriller against Gladbach at the Holstein-Stadion, securing a crucial 4-3 win in their battle against relegation. The see-sawing encounter saw both sides have their moments, but it was the hosts who ultimately prevailed, thanks to a stellar performance from Machino.

Kiel celebrate Bernhardsson's goal to make it 2-0 in the 4-3 win over Gladbach. (IMAGO/Susanne Hübner, Susanne Huebner)

Dream start for Kiel

Kiel started the match with intent, quickly asserting their dominance. Their efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute when Machino broke the deadlock, heading home a pinpoint corner from John Tolkin. The hosts doubled their advantage just eight minutes later, as Alexander Bernhardsson made it 2-0, rounding Jonas Omlin to slot into an empty net. Gladbach struggled to find their footing, while Kiel's goalkeeper Thomas Dähne made two crucial saves to maintain the two-goal cushion. The first half saw further drama as Tolkin was forced off due to injury in the 41st minute, replaced by Finn Porath.

Čvančara got Gladbach back in to the game with a fine header. (IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Marcel von Fehrn)

Gladbach fight back

The second half saw a resurgent Gladbach side take control of the game. Their persistence paid off on the hour mark when Tomáš Čvančara pulled one back with a well-placed header from Robin Hack's cross. The Foals continued to press and found their equaliser in the 69th minute through Alassane Pléa, who finished off a slick team move. The momentum had shifted dramatically, with Gladbach looking the more likely to snatch a winner. Both teams made multiple substitutions in this period, with Gladbach bringing on Franck Honorat and Florian Neuhaus to bolster their attack.

Gigović's thumping strike stopped Gladbach in their tracks - just as they were taking control of the match - and paved the way for Machino's late winner. (IMAGO/Michael Taeger)

Late drama seals Kiel victory

However, Kiel refused to be beaten. Against the run of play, Armin Gigović unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box in the 76th minute, restoring the hosts' lead. The drama was far from over, as Honorat equalised for Gladbach with just four minutes of normal time remaining. But it was Machino who had the final say, scoring the winner in the first minute of stoppage time to send the Holstein-Stadion into raptures. The Japanese forward's clinical finish from Porath's assist sealed a crucial victory for Kiel in their fight for Bundesliga survival. The match also saw yellow cards for Čvančara, Marko Ivezić, and Machino, reflecting the intensity of the contest.

Player of the Match: Shuto Machino

Machino's outstanding performance was instrumental in Kiel's victory. The Japanese forward not only opened the scoring but also displayed remarkable composure to net the winning goal in injury time. His brace proved to be the difference in this high-octane encounter, earning him well-deserved plaudits and potentially playing a crucial role in Kiel's bid for top-flight survival. Machino's pace was also noteworthy, as he clocked the highest speed of the match at 35.82 km/h.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Kiel 2.68 - Gladbach 1.71Fastest player: Shuto Machino (Kiel), 35.82 km/hLowest goal probability: 3-2 by Armin Gigović (Kiel), 2 percentMost pressed player: Alassane Pléa (Gladbach), 18 times under pressurePass efficiency: Julian Weigl (Gladbach), +2.11

Fantasy Heroes: Shuto Machino (Kiel, 311 Points), Alexander Bernhardsson (Kiel, 298 Points), Franck Honorat (Gladbach, 283 Points)

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