Last-minute goal seals Paderborn's win over Kiel in Bundesliga, negating their second-division comeback.
SC Paderborn kicked off their 2. Bundesliga season with a thrilling 2-1 win against Holstein Kiel on August 2, 2025. The match, Ralf Kettemann's debut as coach for SC Paderborn, was marked by a defensive struggle and a touch of controversy.
Marcel Hoffmeier, who ended a 77-match goal drought, scored the opening goal for SC Paderborn in the 29th minute. His spectacular volley put Paderborn ahead, and Lucas Copado later doubled their lead after a poorly cleared corner.
Holstein Kiel attempted to inject new life into the game but found it difficult to match Paderborn's rhythm. Armin Gigovic equalized for Kiel with a spectacular free-kick goal in the 85th minute, setting the stage for a tense finish.
In the 59th minute, SC Paderborn's goal by Luis Engelns was disallowed after a VAR intervention due to Marcel Hoffmeier handling the ball on the edge of the box. Despite several substitutions, Holstein Kiel remained largely toothless in the second half.
In stoppage time of the second half, SC Paderborn scored the winning goal, celebrating a "lucky punch." Filip Bilbija's goal was his first of the 2. Bundesliga season, securing a hard-fought victory for the home team.
The score remained 2-1 in favour of SC Paderborn until the final whistle, with both teams showing resilience throughout the second half. The VAR (Video Assistant Referee) was involved in a decision during the second half, overturning a goal scored by SC Paderborn, but it was not the deciding factor in the outcome of the match.
Armin Gigovic's goal for Holstein Kiel was his first in the 2. Bundesliga, and Kiel's new signing Jonas Krumrey was unable to reach the ball at the far post for the equalizer. Overall, it was an exciting opening game for the 2. Bundesliga season, with both teams displaying determination and skill.
In the midst of a defensive struggle and a touch of controversy, Marcel Hoffmeier scored the opening goal for SC Paderborn in the 29th minute, sparking hope for a triumphant start. Despite Armin Gigovic's late equalizer in the 85th minute, SC Paderborn clinched the match with Filip Bilbija's fortunate punch in stoppage time, ending the game at 2-1 in their favor.
