Hamburger SV has officially returned to the Bundesliga, putting an end to a seven-year absence from Germany's top football division. The historic club achieved this milestone with a resounding 6:1 victory against SSV Ulm at the Volksparkstadion, as fans celebrated a long-awaited return to glory.
In front of a packed crowd of 57,000, the HSV players delivered an electrifying performance that will be remembered for years to come. Ludovit Reis opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Swiss full-back Miro Muheim, who was instrumental throughout the match. However, Ulm struck first as Tom Gaal found the net in the 7th minute, putting the visitors ahead early on.
Despite the shaky start, the Hamburg side quickly regained composure and turned the tide. Ransford Königsdörffer scored twice, first in the 42nd minute and again in the 62nd minute, showcasing his talent and determination. Davie Selke added to the scoreline just before halftime with a goal in the 45th+4 minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
In a match that was nothing short of a celebration, Daniel Elfadli capped off the scoring in the 86th minute, while SSV captain Philipp Stompf inadvertently contributed to HSV's cause by scoring an own goal in the 50th minute. Goalkeeper Daniel Heuer-Fernandes was crucial to the victory as well, making a pivotal save by stopping a penalty from Ulm's Semir Telalović when the game was tied at 1-1.
As the referee, Max Burda, blew the final whistle, the stadium erupted in jubilation. Fans flooded the pitch, eager to celebrate with their heroes, including Heuer-Fernandes, Muheim, and Reis. The joyous atmosphere was palpable, marking a significant moment in HSV's storied history.
Head coach Merlin Polzin, who has been at the helm since November, expressed his elation post-match. “It’s hard to put into words. It has been building up for a long time. We are back!” he told Sky, as his contract was automatically extended for another year due to the promotion.
Polzin's leadership has been pivotal in HSV's revival, as the team had narrowly missed out on promotion in past seasons. The club's journey back to the Bundesliga has been fraught with challenges, including six failed attempts, numerous managerial changes, and countless setbacks. However, the arrival of sports director Stefan Kuntz, who took a risk by promoting Polzin from interim to head coach, proved to be the turning point.
Under Polzin, HSV went unbeaten in their first ten matches, laying a solid foundation for their successful campaign. Yet, the end of the season saw some turbulence, with a stretch of three games yielding only one point. Doubts began to creep in, but a decisive 4:0 victory against Darmstadt reignited their momentum.
The return to the Bundesliga is not just a victory for the players and coaches but also for the passionate HSV fanbase. The demand for tickets was so high that the stadium could have been filled multiple times over. Supporters donned blue shirts and created an electric atmosphere, chanting “Never again second division!” long before the final whistle.
As the city of Hamburg celebrated this monumental victory, local dignitaries, including Mayor Peter Tschentscher, joined in the festivities, donning HSV jerseys and expressing their pride in the club's achievement. Former HSV players such as Heiko Westermann and Ivica Olic sent motivational messages, while Bayern Munich's coach Vincent Kompany, a former HSV player himself, celebrated the news of the team's success.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues as the HSV women's team also has a chance to return to the Bundesliga with a match against SC Freiburg II scheduled for May 11, 2025. The entire city is abuzz with anticipation, hoping for a double celebration.
In summary, Hamburger SV's triumphant return to the Bundesliga marks a new chapter in their storied history. After years of hardship, the club has shown resilience and determination, reclaiming its place among Germany's elite football teams.
