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29.09.2026
Far More Than Just Friendship
HSV's clash with FC Copenhagen is quite literally a friendly. But it also reflects the Rothosen's close ties with Denmark – a connection that stretches back decades. HSV.de takes a look at both the past and the present.
HSV's clash with FC Copenhagen is quite literally a friendly. But it also reflects the Rothosen's close ties with Denmark – a connection that stretches back decades. The four-day training camp in Helsingør at the beginning of July, which marked the start of preparations for the 2026/27 season, was yet another reminder of just how close those ties have become.
The Danish border is located just 157 kilometres from the Volksparkstadion. No other neighbouring country is closer to Hamburg – and Denmark has also played a significant role in some of the biggest moments in HSV's history.
Ole Björnmose was the first Dane to pull on the HSV shirt. He lifted the DFB Cup with the club in 1976 before helping HSV win the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later. Lars Bastrup was part of the legendary 1983 side that lifted the biggest trophy in the club's history, the European Cup*. Other Danish icons, including Stig Töfting and Thomas Gravesen, would go on to leave their mark in Hamburg, too.
In total, 14 Danish players have represented HSV. Among foreign nations, only the Netherlands have had more players wear the famous red and white shirt (17).
Given the geographical proximity and the long-standing history between the two countries, it's not really news that HSV enjoys a strong following in Denmark. Danish supporters were already making the trip to the Volksparkstadion in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with regular trips by bus bringing fans to Hamburg.
One particular highlight came in January 1975, when 2,000 Danish supporters travelled to the Hanseatic city for HSV's clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach. They had come to see three Danish internationals in action: Ole Björnmose for HSV, and Henning Jensen and Allan Simonsen for Mönchengladbach.
The numbers were not quite as high at this summer's training camp in Helsingør, but Danish fans were still a regular presence around the Rothosen's training sessions, with crowds sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
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There was no match during the training camp, meaning HSV's records still show 70 encounters with Danish sides. Since 2018 in particular, clubs from Denmark have regularly featured as friendly opponents at HSV Campus by the Volksparkstadion, either during pre-season or international breaks.
Competitive fixtures against Danish clubs have been much rarer, with just ten to date. The most recent came in 2009, when HSV faced Randers FC in the Europa League qualifying round, winning 4-0 away before a 0-1 defeat at home.
The most dramatic encounter, however, came against FC Copenhagen. In the first round of the 2005/06 UEFA Cup, the first leg at the Volkspark ended in a 1-1 draw. The return leg in Copenhagen looked set to go the same way – until Rafael van der Vaart converted a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win and send HSV through to the next round.
The connection between the two clubs extends far beyond the pitch. For several years now, HSV and FC Copenhagen supporters have enjoyed a close friendship, with fans regularly travelling either direction across the border.
That friendship was on full display last July, when the two sets of supporters created an impressive atmosphere during the friendly in the Danish capital. Around 8,000 HSV fans were among the 23,132 spectators inside Parken.
Now, the two sets of friends are set to meet again on Sunday. More than 51,500 tickets have already been sold, with tickets still available here.
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