Borussia Dortmund beats Holstein Kiel and qualifies for the Champions League
Guirassy, Sabitzer and Nmecha scored, and Dortmund confirmed their qualification for the Champions League in the last round.
In a lively match at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund beat Holstein Kiel 3-0 this Saturday, in the 34th round of the Bundesliga. The match started with full pressure from the home team and, in the first minute, Guirassy opened the scoring with a penalty kick. With the obligation to win to guarantee a spot in the next Champions League, Dortmund experienced moments of tension, but controlled the game and was efficient. At the beginning of the second half, Sabitzer extended the lead after a deflected shot, relieving the pressure. In the final stretch, Nmecha scored the third and sealed the victory that sealed Borussia’s qualification for the main European club competition.
Perfect start for Dortmund
The game started with Borussia Dortmund completely dominating , pressing in the attacking half and imposing a fast pace on the plays. Holstein Kiel could barely get out of defense and made repeated mistakes when moving the ball out.
In the first minute, Guirassy received the ball on the byline and crossed to Nmecha, who was brought down by Holtby inside the area. The referee did not hesitate and pointed to the spot. Guirassy hit the ball hard, into the bottom corner, and into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was his 21st goal in the competition. In the 8th minute, Adeyemi stole the ball in the attacking half and was heading towards the goal unmarked, but Johansson made a tackle from behind and brought the striker down. A straight red card for the Kiel defender.
In the 20th minute, Sabitzer took a chance from outside the area and forced goalkeeper Dähne to make a good save, palming the ball out for a corner. Four minutes later, Guirassy laid it off for Ryerson, who shot it in. The ball deflected halfway, deceiving the goalkeeper and skimming the post – Dortmund almost scored their second goal.
Kobel saves
The scenario remained the same: attack against defense. Borussia Dortmund maintained total control of the match, pressing for the second goal, to guarantee a place in the next Champions League. However, the team was struggling with nervousness and anxiety, while Holstein Kiel defended as best they could, trying to resist the pressure.
In the 28th minute, Adeyemi made a great play along the goal line, dribbling past the defense and crossing back, looking for Nmecha. The striker hit it first time, but sent it over the goal, wasting a great chance. In the 37th minute, it was Süle’s turn to take a chance. The defender advanced freely and unleashed a bomb from outside the area, scaring goalkeeper Dähne, the ball went very close to the crossbar.
A minute later, Holstein Kiel finally came forward. Bernhardsson played a one-two with Holtby, who crossed low from the edge of the six-yard box. Machino got there with a first-time shot, but Kobel made a great save with his left foot, saving Dortmund from the visitors’ first scare of the game.
Sabitzer takes the tension away
The second half began without any changes in the teams. Borussia Dortmund maintained their attacking stance, exchanging passes in the attacking half and cornering Holstein Kiel, who continued to rely on the few opportunities to counterattack.
Just 2 minutes in, Brandt found Sabitzer with a beautiful pass. The Austrian took a chance with the shot, the ball deflected slightly off the defender and beat goalkeeper Dähne — it was Dortmund’s second goal. In the 4th minute, Svensson took a free kick into the box, but the defense cleared it. The next minute, Ryerson appeared well on the right and passed to Guirassy, who shot first time — the ball went dangerously wide, but went wide.
At 14, another dangerous chance: Sabitzer unleashed a shot from outside the area and Dähne palmed it away, relieving the pressure. Three minutes later, Kiel responded with danger. Bernhardsson received a great pass and came face to face with Kobel, who rose to the occasion and made a great save. The scare did not diminish Dortmund’s momentum, who continued to insist. At 22 minutes, Svensson crossed from the left, Tolkin tried to cut it out and almost scored an own goal – the ball hit the crossbar,
Dortmund in the Champions League
In the final stretch, Borussia Dortmund began to manage the game intelligently, controlling possession and slowing down the pace. Holstein Kiel, physically exhausted and without the strength to react, just waited for the final whistle.
In the 26th minute, Svensson made another good play on the left and found Nmecha inside the area. The striker controlled the ball and struck firmly into the corner, sealing the 3-0 and sealing Borussia Dortmund ‘s place in the next edition of the Champions League
Standings and upcoming games
With the victory, Borussia Dortmund reached a sequence of nine games without defeat and guaranteed qualification for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, finishing the Bundesliga in 4th place, with 57 points. Holstein Kiel, meanwhile, ends its participation in the German football elite in penultimate position, with 25 points, and will play in the 2. Bundesliga next season.
Borussia’s next challenge will be international: the team will face Fluminense on June 17th at 1pm (Brasília time) for the Club World Cup. Holstein Kiel will officially bid farewell to the season and will only return to the pitch at the start of the new German second division calendar.
