2. Bundesliga
Felix Klaus' first career hat-trick saw Greuther Fürth defeat Hamburg on the final day of the 2024/25 Bundesliga 2 campaign, a result which meant HSV missed out on the title.
Greuther Fürth 3-2 Hamburg
Goals: 1-0 Klaus 41', 1-1 Dompé 50', 2-1 Klaus 57' (pen.), 3-1 Klaus 63'', 3-2 Glatzel 67' (pen.)
On this final day of the season, Hamburg travelled to Fürth knowing that a win would secure their return to the top flight as champions. The visitors made four changes from their previous match, with Sebastian Schonlau, Adam Karabec, Fabio Baldé, and Robert Glatzel all returning to the starting line-up. Fürth, under Thomas Kleine, made three changes of their own, with Simon Asta, Jomaine Consbruch, and Gideon Jung stepping into the first XI.
The opening exchanges saw Hamburg assert their dominance, controlling possession and creating several chances. William Mikelbrencis came close with a deflected effort that narrowly missed the target, while Baldé forced a save from Nahuel Noll.
Despite their control, though, it was Fürth who broke the deadlock against the run of play. In the 41st minute, Klaus capitalised on the rebound after his initial shot was blocked, firing home from close range. The goal sent shockwaves through the Hamburg ranks, leaving them trailing at half-time despite their superiority in possession.
The second half exploded into life with a flurry of goals. Jean-Luc Dompé levelled the scores for Hamburg in the 50th minute with a lovely free-kick from distance. However, Fürth quickly regained the lead when Klaus converted a penalty after a foul in the box, and they extended their advantage in the 63rd as Klaus completed his treble with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area.
Hamburg refused to give up, and Glatzel reduced the deficit from the spot after a foul on Schonlau. The visitors subsequently pushed hard for an equaliser, with Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit missing a golden opportunity late on.
As the match entered its final stages, Hamburg threw everything at Fürth in search of the two goals they needed to clinch the title. However, they were unable to breach the Fürth backline, with Klaus' hat-trick proving to be the difference.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Hamburg's inability to convert their opportunities cost them dearly on a day when victory would have secured the title.
Klaus delivered a memorable performance, scoring a hat-trick that not only secured victory for Fürth but also had significant implications for Bundesliga 2 title race. His first goal came against the run of play, giving Fürth an unexpected lead.
Klaus then showed nerves of steel to convert a penalty early in the second half, before completing his treble with a well-taken strike from outside the box. His clinical finishing and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him the standout player and ultimately decided the outcome of this encounter.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Greuther Fürth 2.15 - Hamburg 2.14
Fastest player: Felix Klaus (Fürth), 34.83 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Jean-Luc Dompé (Hamburg), 4 percent
Most pressed player: Ludovit Reis (Hamburg), 21 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Jonas Meffert (Hamburg), +3.71