AUDIO: HSV newcomer Downs: “Yellow-red card kills the momentum” (1 min)
As of: January 10, 2026 6:48 p.m
HSV started the new year with a 1:2 (0:0) defeat at SC Freiburg. Hamburg, who had to play outnumbered for almost the entire second half, defended cleverly for a long time. The defeat was bitter.
Luka Vuskovic gave Hamburg the lead after a corner in temperatures around freezing point but on lush green surfaces (48′). After Daniel Elfadli was sent off (51′), Vincenzo Grifo quickly equalized with a penalty kick (53′). And even though HSV subsequently sold themselves dearly, Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic (83′) ensured Freiburg’s victory.
“The yellow-red card kills the momentum.”
HSV newcomer Damion Downs
The debut of winter signing Damion Downs, who was on the pitch right from the start, went without any special insights. The 21-year-old described the defeat as “very, very unfortunate”. The team had “good energy when they were outnumbered,” but the conclusion was: “The yellow-red card kills the momentum.”
It remains to be seen whether the lost game will continue to have an impact in addition to the suspension for Elfadli, who will miss Tuesday’s game against Leverkusen (8:30 p.m., in the NDR Livecenter). However, Daniel Heuer Fernandes’ shoulder is a concern. The regular goalkeeper lasted over 90 minutes, but had to be treated several times with his face distorted in pain. After the departure of Daniel Peretz, the Hamburg team lacks an equivalent replacement in the squad.
For a long time, HSV limited itself to defending…
There was no sign of HSV in Freiburg for a long time – because Hamburg barely even saw the ball. They only had a good 30 percent possession of the ball until the middle of the first half. And it wasn’t just Downs, who was completely suspended in the air, who initially couldn’t put himself in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, the hosts had a handful of good to very good chances. Matthias Ginter (7th) and Lukas Kübler, who hit the crossbar (8th), as well as Yuito Suzuki (14th) and Lukas Höler twice (19th/23rd) did not know how to use them.
… and takes the lead 1-0 through Vuskovic
Shortly before the break, the Hamburg team ventured out of cover more – especially since the Freiburg team also made a few mistakes. Downs stumbled (38′), captain Nicolas Capaldo only shot into the side netting (41′). Fabio Vieira had the best opportunity, but Atubolu gratefully accepted the invitation to fly from his direct free kick (45th).
The goal then came with the help of the home team. Johan Manzambi first tested his own keeper, Atubolu steered the ball towards a corner. And shortly afterwards, referee Timo Gerach’s goal clock vibrated. Höler tried to defuse Vuskovic’s header. But he only cleared it just behind the line – 1-0 for HSV (48th).
Hamburg joy only lasts a short time
A little later, however, the feelings of happiness were gone again. Elfadli hit Freiburg’s Höler on the calf in the penalty area. The Hamburg defender, who had already been warned, saw yellow and red and Grifo equalized from the spot (53′). However, when they were outnumbered, HSV acted more offensively than they did for much of the first half and thus prevented SC from having any further big chances.
But just after Miro Muheim had even had a chance for HSV (82nd), Freiburg struck: In a confusing situation in the visitors’ penalty area, Jan-Niklas Beste kept track and Matanovic only had to hold his foot – 2-1 (83rd). Ten Hamburgers really tried hard afterwards. But there wasn’t more than one shot from Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (90+7). It remained a bitter, but overall not undeserved, defeat.
16th matchday, January 10, 2026 3:30 p.m
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