Hertha BSC scored an important victory against Holstein Kiel in their desired promotion back to the Bundesliga. The match winner on Sunday (September 24th, 2023) was a former Holstein professional.
In the wild 3:2 (2:0) in the 2nd Bundesliga, the Berliners made things more difficult than necessary – because at one point they gave up a two-goal lead.
Hertha lead through Prevljak
The game actually started optimally for Hertha. In the 27th minute, Smail Prevljak gave the guests from the capital the lead when he headed in a cross from former Kiel player Fabian Reese from close range.
Six minutes before the break, Andreas Bouchalakis made it 2-0 after Kiel keeper Timon Weiner let the ball ricochet forward from Prevljak’s harmless finish.
First Pichler, then Skrzybski for Kiel
After the break, the Kiel team got better going and reduced the deficit through Benedikt Pichler in the 54th minute – Marvin Schulz had served him with a precise cross from the right side.
Just three minutes later the “Storks” followed up. Pichler had passed the ball past Toni Leistner in the penalty area, then fell over his outstretched leg – Steven Skrzybski converted the penalty to make it 2.2.
Two penalties for Hertha in the final phase
In the end the game became extremely hectic. In the 87th minute, Hertha attacker Haris Tabakovic initially missed a penalty that was given after VAR intervention. Four minutes later, referee Florian Badstübner pointed to the spot again – this time Reese stepped up and scored the 3-2 winning goal against his old comrades. Kiel’s Marvin Schulz (90th + 7) then saw a yellow-red card.
“If a script had been written that worked out in my favor, it would have worked out quite well.”said Kiel-born Reese after the final whistle: “In the end it was an open exchange of blows. But we can’t give up a 2-0 win like that.”
Kiel in Karlsruhe, Hertha against St. Pauli
Holstein Kiel will face KSC on the next matchday (Saturday, September 30th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.). Hertha BSC is challenged in the top game against St. Pauli (8.30 p.m.).