Match report

HSV suffer 2-1 home defeat to KSC

Goals from Ben Farhat and Wanitzek ensured the efficient visitors took all three points from the Volksparkstadion. Selke scored from the spot for HSV, but it wasn’t enough.

HSV missed an opportunity to take a big step towards promotion, as they lost 2-1 to Karlsruher SC on Sunday (27th April). With 57,000 present at the sold-out Volksparkstadion, Hamburger SV had their work cut out for them from the start as their visitors put in a determined and efficient showing, taking the lead through Louey Ben Farhat after 30 minutes. Davie Selke equalised from the spot with his 20th goal of the season (42’), but KSC captain Marvin Wanitzek put his side back in front in first-half stoppage time. Both teams had their share of chances in the second half, but no goals followed, which meant a narrow victory for the Baden-Württemburg side.

Selke's penalty (42') gave HSV an energy boost before the break.

Guests take their chances before the break…

Head coach Merlin Polzin made two changes to the side that started the 2-2 draw away at Schalke. Karabec replaced Pherai in midfield whilst top scorer Selke got the nod ahead of Königsdörffer. The away side were well structured in defence from the first whistle and made it difficult for HSV with a high press, which meant the hosts found it difficult to get in the swing of things. This meant that the only key moments of the opening quarter of an hour consisted of a deflected effort from Burnic (5’) and a driven shot from Sahiti which did nothing to trouble the scorers. However, one thing was clear by this point of the game: KSC were going to be a tough nut for Polzin’s side to crack. The visitors would then take a not unexpected lead in the 30th minute. After playing a one-two with Conte, Ben Farhat tried his luck with an effort from around 18 yards out and found the bottom-left corner.

HSV wanted to respond quickly, but were unable to create decent chances after the goal. Their big opportunity to equalise therefore had to come from the penalty spot. Kobald tripped Karabec in the penalty area, which resulted in referee Florian Lechner awarding a spot-kick to the home side, a decision which was upheld following a VAR check. Selke stepped up and made no mistake as he got HSV level. The hosts even had a chance to complete the turnaround as Reis won the ball back right in front of the Karlsruhe penalty area, but his eventual shot was saved by the outstretched keeper Weiß (45’+2). At the other end, KSC had the final word of the first half. After two failed attempts from the HSV defence to clear the ball, it fell to the feet of Wanitzek, who simply had to turn it home, and VAR had no objections (45’+4).

Dompe was unable to produce a decisive moment in the second half.

… eager approach leads to woodwork action in the second half

HSV came out for the second half with fire in their bellies, and tried to even the scores once again. However, this resulted in some good chances for the visitors, who were looking to ruthlessly punish Hamburger SV’s mistakes in their build-up play. Conte was virtually able to run through for a one-on-one chance against Heuer Fernandes from the halfway line (50’), with a vital reflex stop with his foot preventing a third for KSC. Just 60 seconds later, Ben Farhat struck the inside of the post (51’). Down the other end, both Karabec (52’) and Dompe (57’), whose contract extension was announced before kick-off, got the hosts’ first sightings on KSC’s goal, as the basketball-style start to the second half came to an end.

Following this, HSV were unable to create any gilt-edged opportunities against the resolute KSC defence. That was until the 81st minute, as substitute Glatzel struck the frame of the goal with a header from a Dompe cross. It was the home side’s best chance to equalise, and unfortunately for Hamburg and despite having all offensive options on the pitch, a second goal never came. KSC came away with all three points, and not undeservingly so.

Match facts:

Hamburger SV: Heuer Fernandes - Hefti, Hadzikadunic, Elfadli, Mikelbrencis (81' Stange) - Meffert (71' Königsdörffer)- Reis, Karabec (59' Pherai) - Sahiti (82' Balde), Selke (71' Glatzel), Dompe

Karlsruher SC: Weiß - Jung (89' Pinto Pedrosa), Kobald, Beifus, Herold - Rapp, Jensen (89' Bormuth), Burnic (64' Heußer), Wanitzek - Ben Farhat (64' Schleusener), Conté (85' Hunziker)

Goals: 0-1 Ben Farhat (30'), 1:1 Selke (pen., 42.), 1-2 Wanitzek (45'+4)

Attendance: 57,000 (sold-out)

Referee: Florian Lechner (Hornstorf)

Yellow cards: Elfadli (27') / Beifuß (4'), Burnic (50') Jensen (67'), Heußer (90')