Hamburg is buzzing with excitement as the Hamburger SV stands on the brink of a long-awaited return to the Bundesliga. After seven grueling seasons in the second division, the HSV could secure promotion with a victory against SSV Ulm on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 20:30 in the Volksparkstadion. The atmosphere is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating a celebration that has been years in the making.
The last time HSV faced Ulm at home was 25 years ago, on March 25, 2000, when the visitors claimed a 2:1 victory. This time, however, the stakes are much higher. Currently, the HSV is sitting atop the table with 56 points, just one point ahead of SC Paderborn and SV Elversberg, who both won their matches earlier in the day. Paderborn triumphed 2:1 over Magdeburg, while Elversberg secured a convincing 3:0 win against Eintracht Braunschweig, intensifying the pressure on the Hamburg side.
The HSV needs a win to guarantee their promotion, and the team is well aware of the importance of this match. Coach Merlin Polzin stated, "We have everything in our hands. A victory against Ulm will eliminate any remaining doubts and make our promotion a reality." The players are feeling the weight of the moment, with goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes saying, "The anticipation is huge; we can achieve something monumental tonight."
With ticket requests reaching a staggering mid-six-figure range, the Volksparkstadion is set to be filled to its 57,000 capacity. The demand for tickets has never been higher, reflecting the fervor of HSV supporters who have endured years of disappointment since their relegation in May 2018. The club's financial health has improved significantly during its time in the second division, with membership soaring to over 110,000, surpassing rivals like St. Pauli and Werder Bremen combined.
As the match approaches, the city of Hamburg is alive with discussions about the potential for celebration. Even the city's mayor, Peter Tschentscher, joined in the excitement, donning an HSV jersey and expressing his hope for a double promotion weekend, as the HSV women's team also has a chance to ascend to the First Women's Bundesliga the following day.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, popular Schlager star Roland Kaiser, who performed nearby on the same night, predicted at his concert that the HSV would achieve promotion, garnering cheers and a few playful boos from the audience. The excitement is palpable, with fans expressing their optimism and even planning outfits for the evening's festivities.
However, the HSV must not underestimate their opponents. The SSV Ulm, currently battling to avoid relegation, has a strong defensive record, allowing only 40 goals this season, the same as HSV. Polzin acknowledged the challenge, noting, "Ulm can be very tricky. We must be prepared for a tough match."
In the lead-up to the game, former HSV players like Rafael van der Vaart and Heiko Westermann have sent messages of support, urging the current squad to seize the moment. Van der Vaart, a beloved figure at the club, encouraged the players, saying, "You’ve worked hard for this opportunity. Enjoy it and bring HSV back to the Bundesliga."
As fans gather outside the stadium, many are wearing the club's colors and sharing their predictions. One enthusiastic supporter confidently declared, "The HSV will definitely win 3:0 today!" The mood is a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation, with many recalling the heartbreak of past near-misses.
For the HSV, this match is not just about promotion; it's about restoring pride to a club that has been synonymous with German football history. After 2,556 days in the second division, the prospect of returning to the Bundesliga feels tangible, and the city is ready to celebrate.
As the sun sets over Hamburg, the anticipation builds. Fans are flocking to the Volksparkstadion, and the atmosphere is electric. The team has the chance to end a long chapter of struggle and disappointment, and the potential for a joyous night is within reach. With the roar of the crowd and the stakes at an all-time high, the HSV is poised to reclaim its place in the top tier of German football.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement reaches a fever pitch. The city is alive with hope, and the fans are ready to support their team through thick and thin. Whether it's an evening of jubilation or another chapter of heartbreak, one thing is certain: the heart of Hamburg beats for the HSV.
