Steven Skrzybski's brace not enough as 10-man Stuttgart salvage draw against Holstein Kiel
Steven Skrzybski's brace was not enough for Holstein Kiel as they drew 2-2 with VfB Stuttgart, who played the majority of the second half with 10-men.
Holstein Kiel 2-2 VfB Stuttgart
Goals: 0-1 Leweling 15' (assist: Millot), 1-1 Skrzybski 30', 2-1 Skrzybski 46', 2-2 Demirović 55' (assist: Woltemade)
Red card: Stergiou 53'
The Holstein-Stadion played host to a thrilling Bundesliga encounter. Both teams entered the match looking to improve their positions in the table, with the promotion-chasing Swabians facing the relegation-threatened Storks in what promised to be an intriguing clash.
The match began with Kiel showing early intent, creating several chances and winning a couple of corners. Armin Gigović had an early shot that went wide, while David Zec narrowly missed with a header from a corner. However, it was Jamie Leweling who broke the deadlock for Stuttgart in the 15th minute. The young forward found the net with a powerful strike, capitalizing on Enzo Millot's clever assist. This goal, coming from Stuttgart's first shot on target, demonstrated their clinical edge despite Kiel's early pressure.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Kiel's persistence paid off on the half-hour mark when Skrzybski equalized. The goal came from an unlikely source - a long throw-in by Zec that Skrzybski converted with a clinical finish. The first half saw further chances for both sides, with Skrzybski and Shuto Machino going close for Kiel, while Stuttgart's Atakan Karazor narrowly missed with a header. The teams went into the break level, with the match finely poised.
The second half began in spectacular fashion for the home side. Just 30 seconds after the restart, Skrzybski scored a breathtaking goal from long range, catching Alexander Nübel off guard and sending the home crowd into raptures. This goal not only put Kiel in the lead but also showcased Skrzybski's exceptional form, with that his sixth goal from his last six shots in the Bundesliga.
The match took another dramatic turn in the 53rd minute when Leonidas Stergiou received a straight red card for pulling down Skrzybski as he was through on goal. That dismissal, Stergiou's first card in the Bundesliga, marked Stuttgart's 150th in Bundesliga history - an unwanted record. However, the Swabians showed remarkable character and, just two minutes after going down to 10 men, half-time substitute Ermedin Demirović, equalized with a well-taken finish following excellent work from Nick Woltemade.
Despite their numerical advantage, Kiel struggled to break down a resolute Stuttgart defence in the closing stages. The home side created several chances, with Fiete Arp not far away on multiple occasions and Machino narrowly missing with a header. Stuttgart's Nübel stood firm in goal, making crucial saves to keep his team level. The visitors, showing impressive tactical discipline under Sebastian Hoeneß's guidance, managed to hold on for a valuable point, demonstrating the fighting spirit that has characterized their season.
Player of the Match: Steven Skrzybski
Skrzybski's outstanding performance deserves special mention. The Kiel forward not only scored twice but also posed a constant threat to the Stuttgart defence. His first goal showed his predatory instincts, while his second was a moment of individual brilliance. Skrzybski's ability to find space and finish clinically was crucial in Kiel's dominant attacking display, even if they couldn't ultimately secure the win.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Holstein Kiel 1.31 - Stuttgart 0.71
Fastest player: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 34.75 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Steven Skrzybski (Kiel), 2 percent
Most pressed player: Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Marco Komenda (Kiel), +2.07
Fantasy Heroes: Steven Skrzybski (Kiel, 331 Points), Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart, 235 Points), Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart, 198 Points)
Related news
Who's competing in the Beckenbauer Cup?
A team of Bayern legends as well as another five heavyweight sides will pay their respects to the inimitable Franz Beckenbauer in a one-off mini tournament on Monday, 17 March.
DFL launches campaign against discrimination
The DFL is joining forces with Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs as part of its annual campaign to prevent discrimination in all its forms.
Five great Bundesliga wins over Barcelona
Ahead of Dortmund's quarter-final meeting with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, we look at German clubs' best wins over the Catalan side...