1-1 – Points Shared in Clash with RB Leipzig

Compared to the away match at VfB Stuttgart, head coach Rodolfo Cardoso made one change to Hamburg's starting line-up. Captain Pauline Machtens returned to the starting XI in place of Melina Krüger. The opening stages belonged to the visitors from Leipzig, who took control early on and put the Hamburg defence under pressure.

After 20 minutes, Leipzig had already won their fifth corner. Boboy met the resulting delivery with a header, but Szemik was on hand to make a comfortable save. Just one minute later, Leipzig were rewarded for their high-pressure start. Once again, it was Boboy who won the ball back with some effective counter-pressing, beat an opponent and found herself with plenty of space in front of the penalty area. From around 24 metres out, the striker placed the ball precisely into the bottom-left corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Leipzig continued to dictate the game after taking the lead, while Hamburg struggled to make an impact going forward and were still without a shot after around 30 minutes. In the 32nd minute, however, Hamburg threatened the Leipzig goal for the first time – and were immediately awarded a penalty. Following a rebound, Peneau got a shot away from the edge of the box. Tuin attempted to block the effort but was struck on her outstretched arm, prompting referee Julia Boike to award a handball penalty. Linberg stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to make it 1-1 (34').

Despite Leipzig's superiority, Hamburg were back in the game and gradually began to take greater control. However, neither side managed to find the net again before the break, and the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.

Hamburg made one change at the start of the second half, with Lena Martens replacing Leila Peneau. After a quiet opening to the half, the Rothosen did not threaten the Leipzig goal again until more than ten minutes had passed. Obispo, making her competitive debut for the Rothosen, sent a high ball in from the right towards the six-yard box, but Herzog safely claimed it ahead of the onrushing Karczewska (60').

The intensity increased again in the final 15 minutes. Mathys crossed from the right towards the far post, where Tuin directed the ball first-time towards goal. Szemik was alert, however, and turned it behind for a corner. Following a short corner routine, Tuin fired the ball dangerously across the face of goal, where Bartz inadvertently deflected it. Once again, the Polish goalkeeper reacted superbly, producing a strong right-handed save to prevent Leipzig from restoring their lead (78').

HSV then responded through substitute Morich. She beat Tuin down the right and sent a high cross into the six-yard box, where Herzog somewhat unconventionally punched the ball clear of the penalty area (84'). Shortly afterwards, Morich again broke through down the right and found Karczewska near the byline. Her cross, however, lacked the necessary accuracy and was too imprecise to reach Martens at the far post (86').

In stoppage time, Eggert won possession on the left and played the ball inside to Schwalm. She struck it first-time with her right foot from around 17 metres out, but sent her effort well over the crossbar. In the end, the points were shared.

The Rothosen are back in action next Friday in the northern derby, when HSV travel to face SV Werder Bremen. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m.