“These are big points for us!”

Miro Muheim: We deserved these three points. We showed that we are strong as a team when we bring that energy onto the pitch. That was a really important win today. The game was not an easy one – it was hard-fought. We are pleased for ourselves to have completed the job. The coach prepared us superbly. We wanted to avoid another loss at the end of this week and, above all, go about things a different way to how we did against Leipzig and Leverkusen. We were really annoyed after each of those and so were determined to make amends. The support from our fans was incredible! It felt like a home game and that really spurred us on.

Nicolai Remberg: These are big points for us! The game was not only physically demanding but also mentally exhausting, going behind first of all before then turning the game around. It was a proper battle. Today wasn’t about playing beautifully but about defending everything that came our way at the end – it was simply incredible, especially with the backing from our fans.

Luka Vuskovic: We deserved this win. It was a tough game, but we fought tirelessly. Although, we are a bit exhausted now are three games in a week. I am happy to be able to help the team out at both ends of the pitch. I had a good feeling ahead of my first penalty and just wanted to take the shot.

Albert Sambi Lokonga: The three points are important for us. The table is very compact, but we’ve now granted ourselves some breathing room. It was a lively game against an opponent who possesses a high level of individual quality. I am pleased to have been able to play 90 minutes again. I gave my all for the team and was rather shattered come the full-time whistle (laughs).

Merlin Polzin: It turned out to be the intense game we were expecting. Both teams got into the game after a number of challenges and aerial duels. Despite going behind, we got better and better and the boys played with freedom and constant bravery. Our aim was then clear at half-time: to utilise over 10,000 HSV fans in the stands to bring the energy to the pitch once again in the second half. That’s how we were able to deservedly get the win over the line, even if we had to survive one or two scares in the closing stages. The way in which the lads celebrate the good things that their teammates do is a real positive aspect of this team, and that means a lot to me