Holstein Kiel shocked fans and pundits alike with their remarkable 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on January 14, 2025, at Holstein-Stadion. The newly promoted side, who had not previously defeated Dortmund, clinched their first victory against the Bundesliga giants, leaving many to question Dortmund's current form and prospects.
The match began with Holstein Kiel displaying swagger and confidence, traits they had seemingly lacked this season. Kiel took the lead when Japanese striker Shuto Machino capitalized on Dortmund's defensive errors and found the back of the net at the 27-minute mark. Just five minutes later, Phil Harres doubled the lead with another opportunistic goal. The atmosphere was electric as Kiel took command of the match.
Before the halftime break, the Storks added to their lead, with Alexander Bernhardsson scoring the third goal, sending the home crowd – including 15,034 supporters –into rapture. This unprecedented first-half display stunned Borussia Dortmund, who had dominated possession but struggled to translate it to goal-scoring opportunities, registering only six shots compared to their expected goals of just 0.35.
Experts noted the unusually poor performance of Dortmund, describing their effort as uninspired. "If the wind blows, they fall apart," said Sky analyst Didi Hamann during the halftime break. The Dortmund team, often regarded as one of the best clubs in Germany, appeared to have no answers for the relentless play of their opponents.
Despite Dortmund's improvements after halftime, which saw Gio Reyna pull one goal back and Jamie Gittens cut the deficit to 3-2, they could not complete the comeback. Holstein Kiel maintained composure, ensuring the visitors did not equalize. The final blow to Dortmund’s hopes came at the very end when Fiete Arp scored, making it 4-2 and solidifying Kiel's fantastic victory.
This loss marks another chapter in Dortmund's disappointing season, where they have struggled, particularly away from home. The defeat leaves them with only five points accumulated on the road, raising alarms about their performance as they aim for higher positions on the table.
Kiel’s performance, on the other hand, has injected new life and hope among the players and their fanbase. With the indication they can compete at this level, supporters are optimistic this could be the turning point for the rest of the season. Kiel sits at 17th place, still fighting against relegation but now buoyed by this monumental win against much stronger opposition.
This victory over Dortmund, coupled with many fans' hopes for player Phil Harres, who has transformed from being underestimated to becoming Kiel's joint top-scorer, highlights the unpredictable nature of football. Such performances assure fans and teams alike of the thrilling unpredictability of the sport.
Looking forward, the real question is whether Holstein Kiel can build upon this victory. With determination and belief growing within the squad, they may very well stake their claim for survival in the Bundesliga this season. For Dortmund, the need to regroup is pressing, as they confront the mounting pressure to return to form and secure their Champions League aspirations.