1:0 - HSV celebrates home win against KSC

Chances on both sides ...

HSV coach Tim Walter fielded almost the same starting line-up against KSC as in the 2:0 win in Nuremberg, the only change being that this time Muheim defended on the left instead of Leibold. And the well-rehearsed Reds got off to a good start, after an initial warning shot by Reis, Kittel seriously tested KSC goalkeeper Gersbeck for the first time in the seventh minute. But the visitors were also involved right from the start and underlined with good ball sequences why their strong offensive line of Wanitzek, Nebel, Batmaz and Schleusener had scored eleven goals in the last three games.

Schleusener forced Heuer Fernandes into a brilliant save in the twelfth minute after a Batmaz pass, which made the Volkspark really shake for the first time. All in all, it was an even and entertaining opening phase in which both teams had equal shares of the ball. And the big chances were evenly distributed, because after about half an hour, both Jatta and Schleusener again just missed the goal and thus the possible lead. And this was not to be the only top chance brace, because shortly before the break both teams created another hundred percent opportunity in quick succession, but neither Kittel nor Schleusener for the third could take advantage of them, so it seemed to go into the break with the score at 0-0. But then, just before the final whistle, Reis took heart on the right wing, launched a spirited solo run into the centre and, with the help of the inside of the post, curled the ball into the net for a 1-0 half-time lead - the crowning glory of an even and playfully appealing duel in the first half.