Hamburger SV has probably lost the direct promotion to the Bundesliga and also has to worry about relegation. Coach Tim Walter’s team couldn’t get past a 2-2 (1-1) draw against pursuers SC Paderborn at the start of the 31st matchday on Friday. The gap to second-placed 1. FC Heidenheim could increase to six points on Sunday.
Due to the tie, leaders Darmstadt 98 would not be able to take promotion with a win against FC St. Pauli on Saturday evening. “We have to win the next three games. A table calculator is useless,” said HSV player Robert Glatzel after the final whistle.
Glatzel had taken the lead in the 39th minute, Sonny Kittel scored ten minutes later for Hamburg, who could come within four points of city rivals FC St. Pauli and Fortuna Düsseldorf. Julian Justvan (43′) and Florent Muslija (73′, penalty kick) each equalized.
The uncertainty of the defense decides the duel
After just two wins from seven games, HSV started out extremely nervous. Captain Sebastian Schonlau saved in the first minute against Sirlord Conteh on the line, then a header from HSV loan Maximilian Rohr landed on the post (2′). Opponents Paderborn also recorded deals every minute as a result. Hamburg only came into play better after half an hour. Ludovit Reis missed the first opportunity. Glatzel started his opening goal well, but Hamburg’s again uncertain defense had to accept the equalizer before the break.
After the change, Kittel chased the ball away from the inattentive Tobias Müller and kept his nerve in front of the goal. Moritz Heyer missed the chance to score the third Hamburg goal (59th). After an unnecessary foul by Miro Muheim on Muslija, there were penalties, the fouled converted safely.
Arminia Bielefeld, who have been relegated to the first division, are still threatened with falling into the third division. The East Westphalians did not get beyond a turbulent 1: 1 (1: 1) against SpVgg Greuther Fürth on the home pasture. They are still on the relegation place 16 and can slip even further at the weekend.
