Kiel claim first Bundesliga away victory at Union | OneFootball

Resilient Holstein Kiel secure historic away win against Union Berlin

Holstein Kiel clinch their first-ever Bundesliga away victory with a 1-0 win over Union Berlin, courtesy of Armin Gigović's first-half strike, which found no reply in a crucial relegation battle at the Alte Försterei.

Union Berlin 0-1 Holstein KielGoals: 0-1 Gigović 43’

Union Berlin welcomed Holstein Kiel for what was a crucial relegation clash in the Bundesliga. Both sides entered the match desperate for points, with Union looking to rise into 13th and Kiel aiming to climb out of the bottom three. The hosts were eager to bounce back from recent poor form, while Kiel sought to end their six-match winless streak in the league.

Union Berlin and Holstein Kiel players scramble for the ball in a crowded penalty area, highlighting the match's intensity (IMAGO/Uwe Koch)

Union started the match with intent, dominating possession and forcing several early corners. In the 10th minute, Tom Alexander Rothe had the first clear chance for the hosts, but his volley was comfortably saved by Timon Moritz Weiner. The Kiel goalkeeper was called into action again in the 12th minute, producing a fantastic save to deny Danilho Raimundo Doekhi from a corner. Despite Union's pressure, Kiel's defence held firm, frustrating the home side's attempts to break the deadlock.

Armin Gigović fires the decisive shot past Union Berlin's defence for the only goal of the match. (Maja Hitij)

Against the run of play, Kiel struck gold in the 43rd minute. A brilliant run from Timo Becker set up the attack, with Shuto Machino providing the assist for Armin Gigović. The midfielder showed great composure, spinning his marker before slotting home a low finish to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal silenced the home crowd and sent the travelling Kiel fans into raptures. Union's frustration was evident as Marin Ljubicic picked up a yellow card in stoppage time, capping off a disappointing first half for the hosts.

Timon Weiner gets down well to deny Union a goal. (IMAGO/O.Behrendt)

Union emerged from the break with renewed vigour, immediately putting Kiel under pressure. A dangerous cross from Benedict Hollerbach in the 47th minute nearly resulted in an own goal, but Weiner was alert to the danger. The hosts continued to push, with Andrej Ilić, who replaced Ljubicic at half-time, forcing another save from Weiner in the 49th minute. Kiel made tactical changes, bringing on Lewis Holtby for goalscorer Gigović in the 59th minute. The visitors remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Machino striking the post in the 73rd minute after a swift break. Union's Steffen Baumgart responded with offensive substitutions, introducing Jérôme Roussillon, László Bénes, Tim Skarke, and Kevin Volland in an attempt to find an equaliser.

As the clock ticked down, Union's desperation grew, resulting in a flurry of late corners. The tension was palpable, with Volland and Josip Juranovic both receiving yellow cards in the closing stages. In a last-ditch effort, even goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow joined the attack in stoppage time. However, Kiel's defence, led by the impressive Timo Becker, stood firm to secure a historic victory, marking their first-ever away win in the Bundesliga.

Player of the Match: Timo Becker

Becker's performance was instrumental in Kiel's historic victory. The defender not only contributed to the team's solid defensive display but also played a crucial role in the match-winning goal. Becker's marauding run from deep, which included a clever nutmeg on a Union defender, set up the attack that led to Gigović's goal. Throughout the match, he demonstrated excellent positioning and made several key interceptions, helping Kiel withstand Union's persistent pressure, particularly in the second half.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Union 1.15 - Kiel 1.18Fastest player: Tim Skarke (Union), 33.54 km/hLowest goal probability: 0-1 by Armin Gigović (Kiel), 16.58 percentMost pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (Union), 18 times under pressurePass efficiency: Rani Khedira (Union), +3.53

Fantasy Heroes: Lasse Rosenboom (Kiel, 304 Points), Timon Weiner (Kiel, 226 Points), Leopold Querfeld (Union, 259 Points)

Liked the article? Find more articles on the official Bundesliga App.