HSV Facing a Tight Deadline?
HSV Suffer 2-0 Defeat in Final Pre-Season Friendly Against RCD Mallorca
HSV endured a disappointing 2-0 loss to RCD Mallorca in their final pre-season friendly match on August 9, 2025. The goals came early, with Takuma Asano scoring in the 13th minute and an own goal by Miro Muheim in the 59th minute.
The match, held at the Estadi de Son Moix, was not a confidence booster for HSV. For long periods, they were largely harmless, struggling to create chances and showing flaws in their performance that have caused concern ahead of the season start.
Giorgi Gocholeishvili, a recent signing for HSV, started for the first time in the match. However, the team's sluggish start and lack of effectiveness in decisive situations and defense led to an early deficit.
Despite the defeat, HSV head coach Merlin Polzin remains optimistic. He believes the team has made significant progress during the Mallorca training camp, both tactically and in building team identity and cohesion. The sessions focused on key playing principles like attacking behind the defense, solid defending, and counter-attacks.
Polzin also highlighted important off-pitch conversations clarifying the squad's identity and goals, indicating a positive team atmosphere and readiness under his guidance.
Regarding their Bundesliga debut, this final test suggests that while the outcome was disappointing, HSV have been working systematically to develop their playing style and team unity. Polzin's comments reflect confidence in the squad's preparation and mindset heading into competitive matches, including the upcoming DFB-Pokal first-round match against FK Pirmasens as a step towards the league campaign.
The loss marks HSV's fifth consecutive test match loss. Jordan Torunarigha received a red card for an unnecessary rough tackle just before the end of the match. Miro Muheim had another voting issue, leading to HSV conceding a goal in the 59th minute.
The lineup for the match included Daniel Peretz in goal, Ramos, Elfadli, Torunarigha, Gocholeishvili, Remberg, Capaldo, Muheim, Sahiti, Rayan Philippe, and Røssing-Lelesiit. Substitutions were made during the game, with Giorgi Gocholeishvili being replaced by William Mikelbrencis in the 61st minute.
Looking ahead, Polzin emphasized that the team is ready for the Bundesliga challenge, despite the poor result. He reminded everyone that only points will count in the upcoming season. The 47th "Trofeu Cituat de Palma" was won by RCD Mallorca.
In the upcoming DFB-Pokal first-round match against FK Pirmasens, Daniel Heuer Fernandes will be the goalkeeper for 90 minutes. Rayan Philippe had a chance to score a header in the 68th minute, but the team was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. The match offered little hope for HSV's readiness for the Bundesliga debut, but Polzin remains confident in his squad's ability to perform when it matters most.
In light of the disappointing 2-0 loss to RCD Mallorca, HSV's preparation for European football leagues, particularly the Bundesliga, is under scrutiny. Despite the poor performance, coach Merlin Polzin maintains optimism, emphasizing that the team has been making progress during pre-season training.
