Match report
11.04.25
HSV fall to first home defeat of the season against Braunschweig
The Rothosen’s fourteen-game unbeaten streak at the Volksparkstadion this season came to an end on Friday evening as they lost 4-2 to Eintracht Braunschweig. Goals from Selke and Glatzel were not enough for HSV to come away with a point.
Hamburger SV lost 4-2 at home to Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday evening (11th April). The Rothosen went into the break 2-0 down in front of a sold-out crowd at the Volksparkstadion, with the visitors scoring two quickfire goals in the 40th and 42nd minute. After the interval, HSV opted for all-out attack and managed to get one goal back through Selke (74’). However, Braunschweig exploited space in behind the aggressive set-up to make it 3-1, then 4-1 shortly afterwards. Glatzel’s late strike was nothing more than a consolation, meaning HSV fell to their first home defeat of the season.
HSV behind at the break…
Hamburger SV head coach Polzin made three changes to the starting lineup from last weekend’s 3-0 win over 1. FC Nürnberg. Hefti filled in at left-back for Muheim who was out with a calf injury, and Richter replaced the suspended Reis in midfield. Up front, Selke was healthy again and got the nod over Königskörffer for Friday’s XI. The first sign of danger came courtesy of Dompe, fresh off scoring a brace against FCN, who tested Braunschweig keeper Hoffmann in the second minute of the match.
The Rothosen continued to set the tone and although the away side mostly operated from deep within their own half, they defended valiantly and kept things tight at the back. HSV only managed to find the gap and penetrate BTSV’s deep block on a couple of occasions which resulted in a dearth of chances over the opening half an hour. In the meantime, Braunschweig started to get forward more and had their first sight at goal through top scorer Philippe after a quick counterattack. The Lions piled on the pressure and started to play with more freedom, eventually taking the lead in the 40th minute. After picking up the ball on the right-hand side, Philippe floated a ball across the pitch to Bell Bell. The midfielder jinked his way past two HSV defenders and smashed the ball into the far corner to put the visitors in front. Braunschweig weren’t satisfied with merely breaking the deadlock, however, as they proved shortly before half time. This time, it was Jaeckel to drive down the right wing. His cross took a deflection off Hefti, flying past Heuer Fernandes at the front post and into the back of the net. Despite nearly 60% possession, the Rothosen would go into the break with a 2-0 deficit.
…before succumbing to first home defeat of the season
HSV came out for the second half with three sets of fresh legs up front as Polzin substituted Königsdörffer, Pherai and Balde on. Initially, it looked more likely that Braunschweig would add to their lead with three clear-cut chances in the first ten minutes of the second 45. Philippe came the closest for BTSV, skimming the crossbar with his effort. The Rothosen were fortunate, but they weren’t fazed and continued to press forward. When Polzin brought Glaztel on for defender Hefti in the 64th minute, the approach was clear.
HSV had to be wary of the visitors’ dangerous counter attacks but likewise pushed for a goal which would eventually come in the 74th minute. Given the strike partnership of Glatzel and Selke, it was clear that balls into the box would be the best way forward. With 15 minutes left on the clock, the latter headed home following a Dompe cross to reenergise the Volksparkstadion crowd. The goal kicked the Rothosen’s attack into gear – but it came at a price for the home team. As Polzin’s side piled forward in search of an equaliser, they were put to the sword by the opposition who scored twice in the space of two minutes to seal victory. First, Braunschweig’s very next attack led to their third goal of the evening. It came courtesy of Baas after a Philippe dummy (84’), before the striker ended up bagging after another counter to make it 4-1 to the away side (86’). Despite a consolation goal from substitute Glatzel, HSV lost at home for the first time this season, with the final scoreline reading 4-2 to Braunschweig.
Match stats:
Hamburger SV: Heuer Fernandes - Mikelbrencis, Elfadli, Schonlau, Hefti (64' Glatzel) - Poreba (81' Meffert) - Karabec (46' Königsdörffer), Richter (46' Pherai) - Sahiti (46' Balde), Selke, Dompe
Eintracht Braunschweig: Hoffmann - Jaeckel (67' Ehlers), Köhler, Nikolaou - Rittmüller, Marie (81' Bicakcic), Krauße (67' Baas), Tempelmann, Bell Bell - Philippe (87' Polter), Tachie (81' Conteh)
Goals: 0-1 Bell Bell (40'), 0-2 Hefti (OG, 42'), 1-2 Selke (74'), 1-3 Baas (84'), 1-4 Philippe (86'), 2-4 Selke (90+6')
Attendance: 57,000 (sold-out)
Referee: Felix Brych (München)
Yellow cards: Elfadli, Poreba, Pherai / Köhler, Krauße, Jaeckel, Tempelmann