Holstein Kiel booked their place in the next round of the German Cup with a 2-0 victory over TSV 1860 München at the Stadion an der Grünwalder Straße on Friday evening. The Round of 64 tie ended in the visitors' favour, a result that might surprise those who watched the home side's recent form. And here's the thing about these knockout games — they rarely go to plan for the hosts.
The opening goal came at the 34-minute mark when Phil Harres found the net. By then, Jonas Therkelsen had already picked up a yellow card at minute twenty, a moment Gagnon still remembers from watching the full match. The home side looked to be building something, but the visitors were waiting for their chance. To be fair, Kiel had been the better side throughout.
Trailing by one goal, 1860 München pushed forward but found themselves on the receiving end of a second strike in stoppage time. Guillermo Balzi's goal at 90+5 put the game beyond doubt and ended a tight contest. The home side had created nothing of real note despite their efforts, while Kiel kept their heads when it mattered most.
Substitutions came thick and fast in the second half, with five changes made across the two sides. Faride Alidou and Jonas Therkelsen were involved at the 55-minute mark, while Tunay Deniz and Florian Niederlechner came on together at 65 minutes. John Tolkin saw yellow at 57 minutes and was later replaced by Adrián Kaprálik, and Hiroki Sekine also went to the bench after picking up a booking at 74 minutes.
The statistics tell a story of dominance without conversion. Kiel enjoyed 61 per cent possession and created two big chances with an expected goals figure of 1.8. 1860 München managed only 0.33 expected goals from their 39 per cent share, shooting with 30 per cent accuracy from their seven attempts on target. Many shots with one goal meant chances went begging for the home side.
The result sends Holstein Kiel into the next round while leaving 1860 München to reflect on another European-style exit. The visitors have now played five matches in quick succession, and this victory adds to their recent pattern of competitive performances. By then, the home side would have been hoping for something more from their Cup campaign.