HSV draw 1-1 at Bayer Leverkusen on final day

Tangvik enjoys a dream debut …

Head coach Merlin Polzin made three changes to the side that beat SC Freiburg 3-2 at home, with Tangvik, Jordan Torunarigha and Rayan Philippe coming in for Daniel Heuer Fernandes, Bakery Jatta and Ransford Königsdörffer. The latter was not in the squad having felt unwell in the morning. The Norwegian goalkeeper, who was making his Bundesliga debut, was immediately called into action, producing a strong save to deny Schick in the eighth minute. When the Leverkusen striker next threatened, Torunarigha made a superb last-ditch challenge to prevent the hosts taking the lead. The opening 15 minutes belonged to the Werkself, who took control through long spells of possession, before HSV created their first big chance on the break. Nicolas Capaldo met a brilliant Philippe cross from close range, but his header came back off the bar. This was HSV’s 15th effort against the woodwork this season (17’).

Five minutes later, Tangvik was at it again, saving with his feet in a one-on-one with Maza. And there was more to come. The 23-year-old was outstanding in the next key moment too, clawing away Schick’s penalty to spark celebrations in the away end. The Czech forward had won the spot kick himself after slight contact from Torunarigha. HSV then began to press higher up the pitch, spent more time in the Leverkusen half and created further chances. Capaldo and Torunarigha worked their way into the box through some nice passing play, but Albert Grönbaek was denied by Culbreath at the crucial moment (40’). Shortly before that, Sambi Lokonga had tested Flekken from distance, while Philippe also forced the Leverkusen goalkeeper into a save with a dipping effort from range. The final word of the first half belonged to Tangvik once again, as he produced another fine stop to keep out Tillman’s header (45’+2).