Team
07.10.25
Looking back on Philippe’s impressive brace against Mainz
HSV’s convincing 4-0 win over Mainz at the weekend was a credit to the overall performances put in by every single player who featured. Take nothing away from Rayan Philippe though, as his brace played a decisive role in ensuring HSV left the pitch with all three points.
In the last two games against 1. FC Heidenheim (2-1) and 1.FC Union Berlin (0-0), it has been the defence that has received most of the credit – especially in the eyes of the supporters, who voted mainly for defenders to be named Man of the Match, leading to goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes winning the award in both games.
Voting results after the 4-0 win against Mainz were, as expected, somewhat different to those of recent games. While the defence did play well by being both robust and compact in getting its third clean sheet of the season, it was the attackers who impressed the most. The votes were spread out across the board, but in the end, there was a clear winner: Rayan Philippe, who was the deciding factor in HSV’s offense. He worked the Mainz defence from minute one with his runs in behind and lightning quick pace, helping his team to victory by scoring once in each half.
The midfield machine Nicolai Remberg and Sambi Lokonga’s skills and technical ability going forward also impressed the fans, as they came second and third respectively in Man of the Match voting. The real star of the evening though, was the team’s performance as a whole – their togetherness laid the foundation for victory. The coaching staff and the players were rewarded for their hard work throughout the last few weeks and can celebrate a second win of the season. HSV head into the second international break of the season with eight points after six games – not anything too crazy, but something everyone can be pleased with and take motivation from once the international break is over.