In a historic night for Hamburger SV, the team secured their long-awaited return to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence, dominating SSV Ulm with a resounding 6-1 victory on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The match, held at the iconic Volksparkstadion, saw thousands of ecstatic fans storm the pitch in celebration as the final whistle blew, marking a triumphant end to a challenging journey back to the top tier of German football.
The evening kicked off with a shock for the home side as Ulm's Tom Gaal found the back of the net just seven minutes into the game, giving the visitors an unexpected lead. However, Hamburg quickly responded, with Ludovit Reis leveling the score only three minutes later. This early equalizer set the tone for a thrilling encounter.
As the match progressed, the tension mounted, especially when Ulm was awarded a penalty in the 36th minute after a VAR review. Semir Telalovic stepped up to take the kick, but Hamburg's keeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes made a crucial save, keeping the score tied and shifting momentum back in favor of the hosts.
In the closing moments of the first half, Hamburg took control of the match. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer scored a stunning goal in the 42nd minute, executing a perfect chip over the Ulm goalkeeper. Just before halftime, Davie Selke added to the tally with a header in the 45th+4 minute, giving Hamburg a 3-1 lead going into the break.
After the interval, the floodgates opened for Hamburg. An unfortunate own goal by Ulm's Philipp Strompf in the 49th minute extended the lead to 4-1. The home crowd erupted in cheers, chanting "Nie mehr Zweite Liga" (Never again Second Division) as their team showcased a commanding performance.
Königsdörffer wasn't finished yet; he scored his second of the night in the 62nd minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, further solidifying Hamburg's dominance. Daniel Elfadli capped off the scoring in the 86th minute, sealing a memorable 6-1 victory.
The jubilant atmosphere in the stadium was palpable as fans poured onto the pitch, celebrating with their heroes. According to reports, around 25 people sustained injuries during the pitch invasion, necessitating medical attention for some. Despite the minor chaos, the overwhelming sentiment was one of joy and relief.
"We are back where we want to be. We gave everything; we put in so much hard work," said an elated Trainer Merlin Polzin after the match. He announced a lengthy celebration, promising that the festivities would continue for at least two weeks. "I believe today and the next two weeks there will be no end to the celebration," he declared.
HSV's sporting director, Stefan Kuntz, echoed Polzin's sentiments, expressing his happiness about the unity between the club and its supporters. "I experienced an extremely strong bond between Hamburg and HSV. That makes me very happy," Kuntz stated.
The significance of this victory extends beyond just the match itself. With this win, Hamburg not only secured their promotion but also ensured that they would be competing against top-tier teams like Werder Bremen and Bayern München in the upcoming season, rather than facing off against lower-division teams like Braunschweig, Münster, or Hannover 96.
As the fans chanted and celebrated, it was clear that this victory was a culmination of years of struggle and disappointment. Hamburg, once a staple of the Bundesliga, had faced relegation for the first time in their history in 2018, ending a remarkable streak as one of the league's founding members. After 2,555 days away from the top division, their return was met with overwhelming joy.
Polzin’s contract was automatically extended due to the promotion, a testament to the successful turnaround he has led at the club. "I had to fight my way through the crowds to get to the locker room after the match. I was overwhelmed with emotions," he shared, humorously adding, "I had to go to the bathroom; I couldn’t hold it anymore. But who cares? We did it! The HSV is back!"
The atmosphere in Hamburg was electric leading up to the match, with fans preparing for a grand celebration throughout the city. The beautiful northern German spring weather set the stage for a day filled with excitement and anticipation. As the sun shone down, black, white, and blue colors filled the streets, symbolizing the unwavering support for their beloved team.
In the end, Hamburg's emphatic win not only secured their promotion but also sent Ulm down to the third division, a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in professional football. As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the Bundesliga dinosaur is back, and they are ready to reclaim their place among Germany's elite.
With one game left in the season, Hamburg sits at the top of the table with 59 points, closely followed by Cologne and Elversberg. The excitement of the return to the Bundesliga has reignited the passion of the fans and players alike, and the journey back to the top is only just beginning.
