Machino shines as Kiel thrash Augsburg

Holstein Kiel 5-1 Augsburg
Goals: 0-1 Claude-Maurice 5' (assist: Essende), 1-1 Rosenboom 12' (assist: Machino), 2-1 Harres 32' (assist: Machino), 3-1 Harres 35', 4-1 Machino 39', 5-1 Machino 90'+1 (assist: Knudsen)

The Bundesliga clash between Kiel and Augsburg began with a poignant moment of silence, honouring the victims of the recent attack in Magdeburg. As the match got under way, both teams were eager to make their mark in this crucial encounter. 

The match burst into life in the fifth minute when Alexis Claude-Maurice put Augsburg ahead, capitalising on their first real attack of the game. However, Kiel's response was swift and decisive. In the 12th minute, Lasse Rosenboom levelled the score with a well-placed shot, marking his first Bundesliga goal. The equaliser seemed to ignite Kiel's attacking prowess, as they began to dominate proceedings. Augsburg suffered an early setback when Keven Schlotterbeck was forced off due to injury in the 11th minute, replaced by Henri Koudossou.

The hosts' new-found momentum culminated in a flurry of goals before half-time. Harres emerged as the unlikely hero, netting twice in quick succession. His first came in the 32nd minute with a well-placed header, followed by a fortuitous strike just three minutes later that slipped through the goalkeeper's grasp. The onslaught continued as Machino added a fourth with a sublime free-kick from 30 yards out, leaving Augsburg shell-shocked as the teams headed into the break with Kiel leading 4-1.

Kiel manage lead, Machino seals victory

The second half saw a change in Kiel's approach as they adopted a more defensive stance, content to soak up Augsburg's pressure and hit on the counter. Augsburg struggled to break down the resolute Kiel defence, despite enjoying more possession. The visitors' frustration was evident as they accumulated several yellow cards, with Dimitrios Giannoulis, Rubén Vargas, and Steve Mounié all entering the referee's book. Harres thought he had completed his hat-trick, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review. As the match drew to a close, Machino added the gloss, scoring his second of the night in stoppage time to complete a resounding 5-1 victory for Kiel.

Machino delivered a masterclass performance that was instrumental in Kiel's emphatic victory. The Japanese forward was at the heart of Kiel's best work, scoring two goals and providing two assists. His first goal, a spectacular free-kick from distance, showcased his technical ability, while his second in stoppage time demonstrated his persistence and clinical finishing. Machino's vision and creativity were evident in his two assists.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Holstein Kiel 2.17 - Augsburg 1.72
Fastest player: Dimitrios Giannoulis (Augsburg), 34.27 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-1 by Phil Harres (Kiel), 3.71 percent
Most pressed player: Alexis Claude-Maurice (Augsburg), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Shuto Machino (Kiel), +2.7

Fantasy Heroes: Shuto Machino (Holstein Kiel, 338 Points), Phil Harres (Holstein Kiel, 279 Points), Alexis Claude-Maurice (Augsburg, 303 Points)