HSV draw 2-2 with Darmstadt 98

… and a thrilling end to the game

Neither team made any changes at the break. HSV made the stronger start to the second period, and Muheim (48’), Dompe (51’) and Mikelbrencis (54’) all tried their luck from promising positions on the edge of the penalty area. Goalkeeper Schuhen was most stretched by the right-back’s shot, which he turned wide of the bottom corner. The Rothosen remained on top, and Richter’s shot on the turn (60’) deserved to be the third goal. The Lilies however found another equaliser out of nothing. Corredor took advantage of a positioning error in the HSV defence to control Lopez’s cross and slot into the far corner (63’).

HSV coach Polzin made a double change following this goal, as Balde and Selke came on to offer fresh legs. Balde created the Rothosen’s next notable opportunity when he went on an excellent solo run from deep and found Selke, who volleyed towards goal, but it went wide (74’). Less than a minute later, Elfadli powerfully headed a Muheim cross off the bar (75’). These two efforts spurred HSV on for the final 15 minutes, and got the more than 50,000-strong crowd behind them. Roared on by the fans, the Rothosen threw everything at it in search of a winner. This almost came in the 86th minute. Dompe curled the ball into the penalty area, and Selke headed towards the bottom corner. Schuhen was equal to it though, and made a sensational save to turn the ball away (86’). At the other end, the Lilies had a chance to land the killer blow, but they were themselves denied by two wonderful stops from Heuer Fernandes, who kept out both Nürnberger’s free kick and Wilhelmsson’s follow-up (89’). There were still two final chances for the hosts, but both Selke (90+1’) from close range and Muheim from distance (90+4’) missed out on netting a third HSV goal. A thrilling encounter eventually ended 2-2, which was a fair result that reflected the performances of both teams.