In a thrilling display of football, Hamburger SV took a giant leap towards securing their long-awaited return to the Bundesliga, defeating SV Darmstadt 98 with a resounding 4-0 victory on May 3, 2025. With this win, HSV not only showcased their dominance but also temporarily seized the top spot in the second division with 56 points, setting the stage for a potential promotion next week.
The match, attended by 17,810 spectators, saw Ludovit Reis open the scoring in the 23rd minute, heading in from a corner delivered by Miro Muheim. This goal not only ignited the spirits of the HSV players but also provided them with a much-needed sense of security after a shaky start to the game.
Darmstadt initially appeared to be the more aggressive side, creating several opportunities in the opening minutes. Isac Lidberg nearly gave the hosts the lead but squandered a clear chance, sending his effort wide of the target. However, it was Reis’s header that shifted the momentum in favor of the visitors.
After the halftime break, the game continued with Darmstadt pushing for an equalizer. Yet, it was HSV who struck again, with Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer scoring a spectacular goal in the 58th minute. The forward executed an acrobatic finish, turning to volley the ball into the net, much to the delight of the traveling fans.
Despite a disallowed goal for HSV in the 65th minute—Jean-Luc Dompé’s effort was ruled out for offside—the team maintained their composure and continued to press forward. Davie Selke, the league’s top scorer, added to the tally in the 80th minute, netting his 21st goal of the season. Finally, Robert Glatzel sealed the emphatic victory with a goal in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+5 minute.
Selke expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, "Now we have exactly what we wanted: a final at home. And we will take the final step there." His sentiments were echoed by coach Merlin Polzin, who felt "just pure joy" after the match. Polzin praised his players' mindset, noting that they opted to train the next day instead of taking a break, reflecting their determination to finish the season strong.
As HSV looks ahead, they have a golden opportunity to clinch direct promotion with a win against SSV Ulm on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The match will be pivotal, as a victory would secure their place back in the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence.
While HSV celebrated their decisive win, the day also brought mixed results for other teams in the league. Fortuna Düsseldorf, another contender in the promotion race, managed to draw 2-2 against Eintracht Braunschweig. This result leaves them two points behind the relegation playoff spot, still in the hunt for promotion.
In the Braunschweig match, Paul Jaeckel opened the scoring for the hosts in the 22nd minute, with Rayan Philippe doubling their lead shortly after halftime. However, Düsseldorf fought back, with Nicolas Gavory equalizing in the 47th minute and Matthias Zimmermann scoring in the 72nd minute to salvage a point. The draw marked Düsseldorf’s third consecutive game without a win, raising concerns about their chances of promotion.
Meanwhile, SSV Ulm faced a setback in their battle against relegation, losing 2-1 to Hannover 96. An own goal by Tom Gaal in the 28th minute set the tone for a challenging match for Ulm, who struggled to find their rhythm. Semir Telalovic did manage to score for Ulm in the 51st minute, but Hannover's Josh Knight restored their lead in the 67th minute, putting Ulm deeper into relegation trouble.
Ulm’s situation is precarious, as they now sit in the relegation zone, three points behind the safety of the relegation playoff spot. Their upcoming matches will be crucial as they fight to avoid dropping out of the division.
As the season nears its conclusion, the excitement continues to build in the 2. Bundesliga. With HSV on the brink of a remarkable return to the top flight and other teams battling for their futures, the final matches promise to deliver unforgettable moments.
