As of: October 25, 2025 5:26 p.m
Promoted Stories HSV suffered a bitter defeat in the Bundesliga. Against the previously struggling VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburg lost 0-1 (0-1) in their own stadium on Saturday despite their overwhelming superiority.
While the “Wolves” ended their series of four defeats in a row, Hamburg lost in their own stadium for the first time since the city derby against St. Pauli. However, Wolfsburg’s victory was extremely fortunate, because HSV was the better, dominant team, but missed a number of chances to score – the biggest was missed by Ransford Königsdörffer, who missed a penalty. VfL, on the other hand, was extremely efficient in front of the opposing goal. Overall, the team of coach Paul Simonis, who should now be a little more firmly in the saddle again, only had two top-class players – Adam Daghim converted one of them. sat
Both teams continue in the second round of the DFB Cup on Tuesday. HSV will be visiting Bundesliga rivals 1. FC Heidenheim from 6:30 p.m., while Wolfsburg will be hosting second division club Holstein Kiel at the same time. In the league, Hamburg will play against fellow promoted side Cologne on November 2nd (3:30 p.m.), VfL Wolfsburg will host TSG Hoffenheim two hours later.
VfL fans fought in Hanover
Around 57,000 spectators had gathered at the sold-out Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, although some visiting fans were missing – after a brawl at Hanover’s main train station with fans of FC St. Pauli (who were on their way to the away game in Frankfurt), they were banned from traveling on to Hamburg by the police.
VfL scores with the first chance to score
Little happened on the pitch for almost a quarter of an hour, both teams acted cautiously. But then the guests from Wolfsburg struck ice cold: Christian Eriksen sent Daghim steep on the half-right side, the Wolfsburg player moved into the penalty area, beat his opponent Luka Vuskovic and beat Daniel Heuer Fernandes to make it 1-0 (15th).
The famous can opener for a thrilling game? Not at all. Even after that, a lot of pieces remained on the lawn. With the lead behind them, Wolfsburg took it easy and waited for moments of transition; HSV, on the other hand, was unable to get through the well-organized VfL defense despite 61 percent possession of the ball. It was only rarely dangerous in the guests’ penalty area: Rayan Philippe was denied by Kamil Grabara, but was offside anyway (33′), Jean-Luc Dompé’s direct pass was too weak (41′).
Königsdörffer fails from the point
And yet, shortly before half-time, there were suddenly two big chances for the Hanseatic League to equalize: Konstantinos Koulierakis clearly cleared Sambi Lokonga in the penalty area, and referee Martin Petersen’s penalty decision was undisputed. However, Königsdörffer failed because of Grabara (44th). A little later, the Wolfsburg goalkeeper was there again for a long-range shot from Philippe, and Lukonga put the second attempt on the top edge of the crossbar (45th + 3).
Muheim with bad luck at the post
Immediately after the restart, the home team sniffed the equalizer again. A free kick from the right half field shot by Miro Muheim with his left flew through the penalty area and hit the left post – luck for VfL (46th). A little later, the Swiss international narrowly missed the top left corner of the goal from a distance (51′).
In the middle of this HSV pressure phase, Wolfsburg almost made it 2-0 with its second chance to score. Aaron Zehnter and Mohammed Amoura penetrated the HSV penalty area with a one-two, but Zehnter then shot miserably – because he was completely free – and the ball went far past the goal (56th).
Grabara keeps clean sheet for the first time
In contrast to the first round, the spectators in the Volkspark were finally treated to exciting football – also because the “Wolves” were now playing. However, the home team had the better scoring opportunities: Muheim was denied by Grabara (58′), substitute Yussuf Poulsen narrowly missed a sharp cross in the six-yard box (69′).
The Hamburg team tried to keep the pressure up – but they were running out of time. Wolfsburg defended with all their might and, in contrast to the almost bloodless performance against Stuttgart a week ago (0:3), also with a lot of passion. And if a ball did get through, there was still Grabara: When a volley from Fabio Vieira was deflected by Philippe, the Pole was already heading into the wrong corner, but still got his feet on it (82′). Grabara was also there in stoppage time (90+3) and remained clean for the first time this season.
8th matchday, October 25th, 2025 3:30 p.m
This year Fernandes – Capaldo (88. Ramos), L. Vuskovic, Elfadli (88. Pherai) – Mikelbrencis (77. Baldé), Sambi Lokonga (64. Fábio Vieira), Remberg, Muheim – Philippe, Königsdörffer (64. Poulsen), Dompé
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Grabara – Kumbedi (85th Maehle), Seelt, Koulierakis, tenth – Vini Souza (56th Bence Dardai), Arnold – Daghim, Eriksen (67th Svanberg), Amoura (56th Wimmer) – Wind (67th Skov Olsen)
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