HSV hold league leaders Bayern München to a 2-2 draw

Courageous first-half showing…

Head coach Merlin Polzin made three changes to his team that started the goalless Hamburg derby draw, bringing in Daniel Elfadli, William Mikelbrencis and Albert Sambi Lokonga for Jordan Torunarigha, Damion Downs and the injured Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit. The Rothosen made the better start at the sold-out Volksparkstadion and appeared wide awake from the off. Hamburg played with courage and created the game’s opening chance. On six minutes, Miro Muheim directed a ball right onto the head of Luka Vuskovic, who sent his effort just wide. The visitors first made their mark on proceedings after 14 minutes, testing home goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes when Aleksandar Pavlovic brought about their opening big chance, laying off for Michael Olise. He was denied by the HSV stopper, who subsequently prevented a sharp Kimmich pass from reaching its intended recipient of Lennart Karl. The away side continued to operate in and around the HSV box, albeit without calling Heuer Fernandes into further action.

The Rothosen edged ever nearer to the lead and when skipper Nicolas Capaldo was sent through on the Bayern goal at the end of counter, he was only denied at the last moment by a Manuel Neuer right palm. However, the next HSV chance came just minutes later, with Jatta stabbing the ball through to Muheim from the right, who in turn slipped Capaldo in. The Argentine was all alone in the opposing area when he laid off for the onrushing Remberg, who went to ground following contact from Joshua Kimmich. Referee Harm Osmers did not hesitate in pointing to the penalty spot. Vieira took on the responsibility from 12 yards, slotting low into the left-hand corner for 1-0 to HSV. Nevertheless, the joy of scoring first was only short-lived as Harry Kane found himself free in the box after set-up play by Kimmich. The striker left Heuer Fernandes with no chance as he smashed home on the swivel to swiftly level the scores. Hamburg looked to hit back again in stoppage time at the end of the first period. Vieira left Kane in his tracks before unleashing a shot that could not find its way past a host of Bayern defensive legs. Neither Königdörffer nor Capaldo were successful in their efforts either and the sides went into half-time all-square at 1-1.