After seven years in the 2. Bundesliga wilderness, the suffering is finally over for Hamburger SV fans. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Die Rothosen secured their promotion back to the Bundesliga with a commanding 6-1 win over SSV Ulm, who are now relegated to the 3. Liga. In typical fashion, however, Hamburg didn’t take the easy route to beat the struggling Ulm.
The match kicked off with an unexpected twist as Ulm's Tom Gaal found the back of the net just seven minutes in, sending a wave of anxiety through the packed Volksparkstadion. But the home crowd didn’t have to wait long for a response, as Ludovit Reis scored three minutes later, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting hopes for the fans.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ulm was awarded a penalty in the 35th minute after a lengthy VAR review. The decision was contentious, and perhaps justice was served when HSV goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes made a stunning save against Semir Telalovic’s attempt. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum firmly in Hamburg's favor.
Just before halftime, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer struck to make it 2-1 in the 42nd minute, followed by a goal from Davie Selke just before the break, extending the lead to 3-1. The second half began with a bang for Hamburg when Ulm’s Philipp Strompf inadvertently scored an own goal just four minutes in, making it 4-1.
From that point on, the atmosphere in the stadium transformed into a jubilant celebration. Königsdörffer completed his brace in the 62nd minute, further solidifying Hamburg's lead at 5-1. Daniel Elfadli capped off the scoring with a goal in the 86th minute, sealing the emphatic 6-1 victory and marking a historic return to the Bundesliga.
“We’re back!” exclaimed Hamburg coach Merlin Polzin, a Hamburg native who took over on an interim basis from the fired Steffen Baumgart in November 2024. “When you put so much work in and you’re rewarded, then you’ll never forget it.” His contract is set to be extended for the top division, a testament to his impact on the team.
Hamburger SV holds a unique place in German football history, being the last surviving member of the Bundesliga to have played every season since its formation in 1963 until their relegation in 2018. This earned them the affectionate nickname “der Dino.” The club had a remarkable run of 55 years in the top flight, becoming synonymous with German football.
However, the journey back to the Bundesliga was far from straightforward. After relegation, HSV faced a series of near misses in their attempts to return, finishing fourth in their first three seasons in the second division. They were twice third, only to lose in the playoff against the team that finished third from bottom in the Bundesliga both times. Last season, they finished fourth again, missing out on promotion entirely.
Heading into this season, Hamburger SV had become a 2. Bundesliga dinosaur, holding the record for the longest run in the second division at seven years. The club’s struggles were compounded by a shaky start to the season, leading to the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart after matchday 13, with the team languishing in eighth place.
In came former assistant manager Merlin Polzin, who steadied the ship and led the team to an impressive turnaround. Under his guidance, HSV averaged 1.94 points per game over the last 16 matches, making them the team with the best form in the league. Their goal differential of +35 after 33 matchdays is a testament to their dominance.
The celebrations erupted as thousands of Hamburg fans stormed the field, reveling in the long-awaited promotion. The vibrant atmosphere was a stark contrast to the somber memories of the past few years, where the club had been so close yet so far from returning to the Bundesliga.
As the dust settles on this monumental victory, HSV fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their club has reclaimed its rightful place among Germany's elite. The clock that once counted up HSV's time in the Bundesliga was dismantled after their relegation, but perhaps it’s time to consider a new clock, one that counts down to their future successes in the top flight.
With the season winding down, Hamburg is now four points clear of third-placed Elversberg with one round remaining. A win next weekend could not only secure their promotion but also crown them champions of the 2. Bundesliga, adding another layer of triumph to their return.
Indeed, the journey back to the Bundesliga has been fraught with challenges, but the resilience shown by the players, coaching staff, and fans alike has finally paid off. Hamburger SV is back, and they are ready to reclaim their place in German football.
