2-1 opening-night victory at 1. FC Köln

...and HSV pick up the first three points of the season 

HSV had to endure a tough second half, in which they attempted to see out their lead. 1. FC Köln came out for the second half with real enthusiasm and wanted to let their guests know that they will be giving in their all to find a way back into this game, which is exactly what they did. Several crosses were whipped into Daniel Heuer Fernandes’ box, but the HSV defence, who had dropped a little deeper, were defending the majority of them well. On the occasion that a threatening pass got in behind them, captain Schonlau was on hand to snuff out the danger, defending both brilliantly and bravely during this period. HSV were clinging onto their two-goal advantage, but then came a wild end to the game. The constant pressure had its impact on the away side, as Köln, who were incessantly getting forward, found a goal to make it 2-1 via a powerful header from substitute Maina in the 78th minute. The atmosphere in the stadium then reached its crescendo as the hosts began their final offensive. However, HSV remained robust, cleared any danger and didn’t allow the home side any clear-cut chances, even during the six additional minutes at the end. Whenever HSV found themselves under some pressure from a Köln attack, Heuer Fernandes was having success when fishing the ball out from the air and parrying any shots on his goal. HSV saw out a narrow, hard-fought away victory to make an ideal, winning start to the new season.