One day after the explosion of emotions, calm had returned to the Volkspark. After the victory in the 109th city duel against FC St. Pauli, the players of Hamburger SV had to walk out and train as a substitute on the training ground next to the stadium in the morning.
Some fans applauded the derby winners as they set out for the run. Business as usual? Not quite: the shockwaves of the night before’s burst of happiness were still being felt.
The 4:3 spectacle against FC St. Pauli was more than just a win against neighbors for HSV, more than just three points. It was a victory against possible self-doubt, against talk of one of the usual spring crises, against criticism. It was also a victory that ended all of the unloved rival’s tenuous hopes of promotion. But it was above all a victory that can become a decisive booster for HSV in the promotion race of the 2nd Bundesliga.
Goosebumps atmosphere in the Volksparkstadion
“I think we’re going into the next few weeks with a good feeling and we’ll be going into the next few games with confidence,” said Jonas David. The otherwise often scolded defender had started the turnaround in the game with his goal to make it 1-1 shortly before the break and laid the foundation for the later HSV party. Captain Sebastian Schonlau announced: “We want to take this momentum with us now, but we still have a lot to do in the last five games.”
The near future was far away this Friday. What counted for HSV players, supervisors and fans was the moment, the here and now. 56,400 enthusiastic and enthusiastic spectators in the sold-out Volksparkstadion – including 6,000 FC St. Pauli supporters – plus spring-like weather created the atmospheric setting and ensured goosebumps.
The drama of the match, the most goals scored in a city derby since December 2001 and the eruption of emotions on the pitch and in the stands after the final whistle made for a night to remember. “I’m very, very proud of my team and the spectators. They were great,” said coach Tim Walter. “It was the best win, for sure.”
St. Pauli out of the fight for promotion
Not only his team contributed to the football spectacle, but also FC St. Pauli. Especially in the first half, coach Fabian Hürzeler’s team was better at times and dominated HSV. “Actually, we have to win the game,” said the 30-year-old.
Now it’s time for him and his players to come to terms with the defeat. “I think that’s a blow for the boys,” said Hürzeler. The promotion race is over for FC St. Pauli. The deficit to HSV is nine points with five games left. “Now it’s time to show a reaction.”
HSV, on the other hand, is still in the middle of the fight for promotion. Coach Walter was once again able to see his unshakable belief in promotion confirmed. At least until after the game of the competitor 1. FC Heidenheim against Holstein Kiel on Sunday (1.30 p.m. / Sky), his team moved up to second in the table and thus to a direct promotion place. That evening in the Volkspark, table constellations and chances of promotion played no role for 47-year-old Walter: “Today we’ll enjoy the derby victory first.”
