Impressive - HSV win 3-0 at 1. FC Magdeburg

Hamburger SV won 3-0 away at fellow promotion chasers 1. FC Magdeburg on Friday evening (14th March). In front of 30,000 spectators at a sold-out Avnet Arena, the Rothosen dominated and controlled proceedings from the start, and found themselves 2-0 up after 15 minutes. Just after half time, they added a third goal to wrap up the win. HSV forward Königsdörffer was involved in all three goals, netting the opener (10’), forcing a Mathisen own goal for the second (15’) and then adding another for himself (53’). It was a great evening for Königsdörffer and a deserved win for HSV, who held onto their spot at the top of the table.

A great start for HSV …

HSV head coach Polzin was missing his top scorer in Magdeburg, as 17-goal striker Selke was unavailable due to suspension. Königsdörffer replaced him as the central striker, and filled in sensationally. After a very strong start from the Rothosen, Königsdörffer first headed a Muheim corner against the bar, before HSV won the ball back and launched a counterattack. Our number 11 finished emphatically with a powerful strike from a tight angle (10’). The Rothosen continued in this vein as they pressed high, attacked with intent and won the ball back again and again, with Reis leading the way.

In the 15th minute, Königsdörffer was played in again, sprinted down the left and fired the ball into the centre. FCM defender Mathisen looked to get there in front of Reis, but ended up steering the ball into his own net and making it 2-0 to the visitors. This was the result of a dominant performance in the early stages from HSV. Magdeburg managed to get into the game more in the second half of the first period, and it became a more even encounter. The hosts began to launch attacks themselves., which gifted HSV even more space to counter. Mikelbrencis and, of course, Königsdörffer had more good opportunities, but FCM ‘keeper Reimann saved well on both occasions. It therefore remained 2-0 to the Rothosen at the break.

… and a deserved win on the road

The hosts looked to start afresh in the second half. FCM head coach Titz made three changes at the break, but this attempted reset failed to make an impact. HSV began the second half exactly as they did the first, dominating and looking to attack. They added a third almost straight away. Dompe played in Königsdörffer down the left, and he cut inside, evaded a challenge and fired the ball into the corner.

This third goal in the 53rd minute essentially wrapped up the win for HSV. Königsdörffer could have put even more daylight between the sides in the 68th minute, but he rattled the woodwork for a second time. The hosts still played their part and had more of the game in the second half, but HSV remained solid, conceded very few chances and defended everything that came into their penalty area. Goalkeeper Heuer Fernandes had just one save to make when he denied Hercher, and at the end he was able to celebrate a clean sheet as well as a deserved three points in a big game. HSV won in an impressive manner, and could even enjoy the return of Robert Glatzel in the 88th minute. It was a successful evening all-round for the Rothosen.

Match stats:

1. FC Magdeburg: Reimann - Hugonet (83’ Michel), Mathisen (46’ Pfeiffer), Müller - Loric (46’ Hercher), El-Zein, Gnaka, Nollenberger, Burcu (46’ Amaechi), Atik (70’ Holström) - Kaars

Hamburger SV: Heuer Fernandes - Mikelbrencis (46’ Hefti), Hadzikadunic, Elfadli, Muheim - Meffert (55’ Richter), Karabec (88’ Glatzel), Reis - Sahiti (73’ Mebude), Königsdörffer (73’ Pherai), Dompe

Goals: 0-1 Königsdörffer (10’), 0-2 Mathisen (15’ (OG)), 0-3 Königsdörffer (53’)

Attendance: 30,000 (sold-out)                   
Referee: Tobias Stieler (Sölden/Schwarzwald)
Yellow cards: Loric / Mikelbrencis, Elfadli