Hamburger SV's pursuit of a top-four finish in the second division is continuing. The victory against Hannover 96 puts HSV at least third in the league heading into the last matchday of the regular season. Even a straight ascent is still a viable option.
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| [HSV player Robert Glutzel] |
Who would have thought it would happen just four weeks ago? Following the 0-1 draw in Kiel, HSV seemed to be on their backs and already defeated in the promotion battle, according to some observers. However, with their 2-1 victory against their northern rivals from Hanover on Saturday, Tim Walter's club now has a realistic chance of winning the league on the last day of the season.
The HSV coach was extremely pleased with his team's performance. "The boys have put everything they have into it. We have faith in ourselves and believe that we can win every game. It's just enjoyable to collaborate with the lads because they take everything in and put it into action "According to the NDR, the 46-year-old tossed his past hesitation to return to the Bundesliga aside and declared his intention to return.
Darmstadt 98 made quick work of Hamburg, claiming their fourth victory in a row. As a result, you'll start at least third in the final game against Hansa Rostock. For the time being, HSV has also moved ahead of Werder Bremen. On the other hand, HSV plays at Aue on Sunday at 1.30 pm and only needs one point from the already relegated Saxons to regain control of the table.
The 57,000 fans at the Volksparkstadion saw an open exchange of blows with multiple scoring opportunities, as both sides played forward and were confronted by defenders that made tactical and individual errors on successive occasions.
96 even had a somewhat superior play structure than his opponent, but he was unable to effectively arrange his left defense. Robert Glatzel (13/20) scored twice for Bakery Jatta, who had much too much room and was basically undisturbed throughout both games.
Particularly galling for Hannover was the fact that, just moments before Glatzel made it 1-0, Hendrik Weydandt missed to convert from a very good position against goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes for the second time. Barely as the fourth minute was about to end, the HSV goalie guided a shot just over the crossbar.
However, despite being down two goals, Hannover was not yet out of it: barely 120 seconds after Glatzel's second goal, Sebastian Kerk celebrated the occasion with a spectacular flip.
After a stalemate, Ludovit Reis was unfortunate to have his long-range shot strike the post and miss the opportunity to make it 3-1. (27th).
After then, the game became more relaxed. In several situations, HSV provided the visitors with an unexpected amount of room, but 96 was unable to take use of it. Hamburg, on the other hand, scored on a regular basis: Reis (56'), Jatta (66'), and Mikkel Kaufmann (76') all contributed to a 3-1 victory. Faride Alidou, on the other hand, had the best chance, but his effort from five yards out went wide of the empty net (88').
They had all lost their opportunities, but it didn't seem to upset anybody at HSV anymore. The former Bundesliga Dino has found himself in the midst of a promotion battle - and a happy conclusion is not out of the question.