Upcoming Hamburg Derby Shrouded in Doubt
Hamburger Sportverein (HSV), twice European Cup champions, six-time German titleholders, and boasting a lengthy 55-year Bundesliga presence, is traditionally the city's heavyweight. Yet, fresh anxieties engulf HSV heading into Friday's domestic battle at FC St. Pauli's Millerntor Stadium.
Favored for the clash between the league leaders and the league runners-up, St. Pauli plays on home turf, boasting a remarkable 2023 second division leading tally and an unbeaten streak against HSV in their home arena. The Red Shorts indeed scored a rare win during their last home encounter (4-0 on 10.3.19)[1].
Besides HSV's chronic struggle away from home (only six points out of seven matches), they also faltered at their own Kiez ground. A scrappy 2-1 win against cellar-dwelling Braunschweig was by sheer luck, with their third home victory this season.
"On this form, our coach Tim Walter's squad needn't embark to the Millerntor. HSV is quaking before the derby," suggested one observer.
HSV coach Walter tried to lighten the atmosphere following their narrow success: "The lads aren't mechanical beings. A few players returned from injury, while others just back from international assignments. We've nothing to apologize for."
Forward Robert Glatzel supported a positive mindset: "Derbies don't hinge on your current state. You could travel with a lackluster feeling and win or suffer the same fate just as well. St. Pauli's a competitive team, earning the right to be where they are. A good opponent, a derby - what could be better in the second division?"
Midfield veteran Jonas Meffert shared the anticipation: "The people in Hamburg are eager for this clash, perhaps the whole of Germany too. First versus second, that's just thrilling."
HSV fans and football enthusiasts throughout Germany are justifiably excited to witness this highly-anticipated second division clash, widely covered by popular platforms such as fb-instantarticles, sport - lighthouse hamburg, regio sport hamburg, and Hamburger regional sports.
Enrichment Insight: St. Pauli currently sits at 18th place in the Bundesliga with 18 goals and 24 conceded. Over the past 10 matches, St. Pauli has recorded wins in 5 out of 7 home games against HSV and has a home win-loss record of 6-1-3 against HSV since 2012.
[1] , HSV trembles towards the derby, Retrieved Jan 30, 2023.
