Leverkusen eye comfortable win as Holstein Kiel struggles in Bundesliga debut

Al Cameron October 4, 2024

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Leverkusen eye comfortable win as Holstein Kiel struggles in Bundesliga debut

Up until 10 years ago, Holstein Kiel were newly promoted to 3. Liga, the third tier of German football. That year, they nearly went straight back down to the regional divisions. After three more years in the third tier and seven more in the 2. Bundesliga, Die Störche (The Storks) were finally promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time.

The minnows, located 100 miles from the Danish border, made history last season by securing promotion to the Bundesliga. This wasn’t the first time the team made headlines, having reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal Cup after beating Bayern Munich in the second round, though they eventually lost 5-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals.

Holstein Kiel has struggled so far this season, losing four of their first five matches, including a 6-1 defeat against Bayern Munich. Their only point came in a draw against fellow strugglers VfL Bochum, and it seems the Bundesliga may be a step too far for Die Störche.

Newcomers Holstein Kiel brace for a tough challenge

Despite scoring seven goals in their first five matches, their defence has been a major issue, as they’ve conceded at least two goals in every game so far. A standout for them has been 25-year-old Japanese forward Shuto Machino, who has been involved in 57 percent of Holstein’s goals. Manager Marcel Rapp will be hoping Machino’s contributions can help steer the team away from relegation and secure their place in the Bundesliga.

This weekend, Holstein faces Bayer Leverkusen, last season’s invincible champions. Leverkusen has had a solid start to the season with two wins, two draws, and one loss, which was their first defeat in 36 matches, stretching across both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has transformed Die Schwarzroten into serial winners, leading them to a league and cup double last season and taking them to the Europa League final, where they were denied by a hat-trick from Ademola Lookman. Alonso’s side is in strong form, with Victor Boniface and Florian Wirtz already scoring five and six goals this season, respectively.

Leverkusen is coming off a midweek 1-0 Champions League win against AC Milan, making it two victories in the newly revamped tournament. As the Bundesliga season progresses, it’s clear these two teams are in contrasting form and league positions, and the champions will likely be aiming for a decisive win against the league’s bottom side.

It’s hard to envision anything other than a Leverkusen victory, and another defeat seems likely for Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel.