Hamburger SV failed in the promotion race of the 2nd Bundesliga.
Coach Tim Walter’s team lost the hard-fought duel in the sold-out Betzenberg against 1. FC Kaiserslautern 0-2 (0-0) and thus missed the return to second place.
Joker Terrence Boyd (71st) gave Lauterer the lead with a back-heel goal, while Aaron Opoku (85th), who also came on as a substitute, made the decision. After the thrashing victory over Hannover 96 (6:1) in the previous week, HSV remained too harmless offensively.
The Red Devils, who secured seventh place, impressed with their unconditional commitment.
“We didn’t deserve it, we have to be so honest,” said HSV captain Sebastian Schonlau on “Sky”: “We conceded two very annoying goals. As a team, we didn’t perform well.”
The view is now towards the city derby next Friday. “There’s no question that we’ll be motivated. We’ll play with a full band,” announced the defender.
With 53 points, HSV is one point behind 1. FC Heidenheim and five behind leaders Darmstadt 98 in third place.
FC St. Pauli is breathing down HSV’s neck
In addition, danger is now looming from behind: City rivals FC St. Pauli, who are in strong form, can get up to three points with their eleventh win in a row against Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday.
In front of 49,327 spectators, both teams relied on a stable defense, chances were scarce. The visitors intensified their efforts in the closing stages, but the goal came in the midst of their best period.
A few minutes earlier, Hamburg’s Miro Muheim had hit the crossbar from 14 meters.