Magdeburg wakes up late: 1:1 draw against Kiel

An unnecessary goal conceded and waking up too late from passivity: 1. FC Magdeburg just about averted another defeat in the 2nd Bundesliga. The final score against Holstein Kiel was 1:1 (0:1). Timo Becker (27) gave the visitors the lead, while Luc Castaignos (55) missed a penalty at the other end. Substitute Emir Kuhinja (90.+5.) scored the equalizer on his debut.

"It's all like a movie, I could have imagined it better," said the striker, who came from Freiburg in the regional league. He scored the equalizer 1:03 minutes after coming on as a substitute. "I had exactly this dream yesterday," said Kuhinja. Coach Christian Titz We're happy that it worked out like that. It was important for us that he scored the goal," said Titz on Sky.

Due to suspensions and illness, coach Christian Titz had to make changes to several positions. Silas Gnaka and Andi Hoti moved into the starting line-up. With both full-backs missing, FCM opted for a 3-4-3 in attack, with winter newcomer Emir Kuhinja on the bench for the first time.

The game had pace and goalscoring opportunities right from the start, with Kiel's Joshua Mees (6') putting the ball just outside the box. FCM had unusually little possession of the ball, partly because the team played conspicuously direct forward - but their attacking efforts lacked precision.

As the game settled down a little, Kiel took the lead. The FCM were unable to clear a free-kick from the penalty area and Becker finally put the ball over the line - a goal similar to the one conceded at Eintracht Braunschweig a week ago. Magdeburg attempted to continue their success down the wings, but rarely got the ball to the players in the penalty area. Instead, the attacks repeatedly petered out on the wing.

A Magdeburg double substitution was supposed to bring about an improvement, but the hosts were initially far from it. After VAR intervention, Magdeburg were awarded a somewhat surprising penalty, but Timon Weiner in the Kiel goal chose the right corner and saved from Castaignos (55'). However, FCM now at least developed a period of pressure and had more possession and shots. But Alexander Nollenberger (62) only hit the crossbar. However, even this quite respectable phase was ultimately characterized more by commitment than efficiency - Magdeburg's goals were too rare. Kuhinja, who had come on as a substitute seconds earlier, punished the overly passive visitors late on in stoppage time

After a passive first half, Magdeburg only woke up when they missed a penalty - too late to turn the game around completely. Against the top team FC St. Pauli, the team from the Elbe would be well advised to show commitment and drive for goal over 90 minutes - otherwise they could face another home defeat next weekend.