There was a lot going on around the top game of the 2nd league – which even then had little to offer, but had a lucky winner: Hamburger SV defeated 1. FC Köln and replaced them as league leaders. Ransford Königsdörfer scored the goal of the day in a weak game in the margin after a penalty kick (79th).
First, HSV hooligans attacked Cologne fans in the citythen traffic chaos delayed kick-off – and then the sport would make the headlines. But after a short time this was also interrupted; due to the use of pyrotechnics in the stands, the resulting fog caused a break in the game of almost four minutes.
Hamburg and Cologne neutralize each other
After that there was finally football – and that with a dominant HSV. The hosts took control of the game and often put themselves in dangerous situations, but they repeatedly failed to create chances for themselves. Nevertheless, the self-confidence that had developed under Merlin Polzin, who was appointed head coach at the end of 2024 after the 5-0 win against Greuther Fürth, was clearly visible.
Nevertheless, Cologne was very difficult to crack, just as it was before the winter break. The Bundesliga relegated team recently scored 18 out of 21 possible points, often in a minimalist manner. The defense has become a showpiece after coach Gerhard Struber adjusted his tactics after the last defeat against SC Paderborn (1:2) in mid-November.
Schwäbe thwarts HSV’s best chances
The first half was definitely not one for fans of spectacular (goal area) scenes, because apart from a few approaches, there weren’t any. It wasn’t until the 44th minute that Jean-Luc Dompé had the first good chance of the game, but the HSV winger was denied by the strong FC keeper Marvin Schwäbe. Otherwise it was a hard-fought game that suited the tough promotion battle in the 2nd league.
Whenever HSV became dangerous, he was there: Marvin Schwäbe
After the break things continued the same way as before, but it didn’t take that long before things became really dangerous for the first time. After a corner, Adam Karabec had a free header from three meters, but Schwäbe reached out and was just able to direct the ball over the crossbar and keep Cologne in the game (59′).
After that, FC appeared in front for the first time and Jan Thielmann came through to finish, but at the last moment Felix Meffert intervened and ruined the opportunity (63′). On the other hand, Schwäbe had to show his class again against Emir Sahiti (65th).
Finkgräfe enables HSV to do this Leading the table
The action that decided the game came in the 77th minute. Max Finkgräfe stepped on Marco Richter’s foot unnecessarily in his own penalty area and thus caused a penalty. Königsdörffer, who had single-handedly decided the first leg (2-1) with a brace, took over the task, initially failed by Schwäbe, but then made it 1-0 with a follow-up shot (79th).
It won’t matter to HSV how, what’s important is that the high under Polzin continues. With the successor to former coach Steffen Baumgart, Hamburg have scored eleven points in five games and are currently on the path to promotion. However, HSV can still be pushed out of the top of the table on Sunday, Karlsruher SC, who would overtake 1. FC Nürnberg with a win, has a realistic chance of first place.
Hamburg in Berlin, Cologne against Elversberg
In the top game, Hamburg will face Hertha away (January 25th, 8:30 p.m.). Cologne plays against SV Elversberg earlier that day (January 25th, 1 p.m.).