2. Bundesliga
Hamburg's promotion to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence was sealed with a commanding 6-1 victory over Ulm, with a Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer double among the highlights for a HSV side that sealed Ulm's relegation to the third tier.
Hamburg 6-1 Ulm
Goals: 0-1 Gaal 7’, 1-1 Reis 10’, 2-1 Königsdörffer 42’, 3-1 Selke 45’+4, 4-1 Strompf (o.g.) 49, 5-1 Königsdörffer 62’, 6-1 Elfadli 86’
Prior to kick-off, the stage was set for a night of high drama at the Volksparkstadion in a match that would determine the fate of both clubs. Hamburg, on the brink of a return to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence, needed a win to secure promotion. Ulm, fighting for survival, knew that anything less than victory would see them relegated.
The match exploded into life in the 7th minute when Tom Gaal shocked the home crowd, putting Ulm ahead with a well-taken goal. Hamburg's response was swift and decisive, however. Just three minutes later, Ludovit Reis levelled the score with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box, lifting the home supporters and setting the stage for a pulsating contest.
The pivotal moment of the first half came in the 36th minute when Ulm were awarded a penalty after Muheim fouled Felix Higl. Daniel Heuer Fernandes rose to the occasion, producing a magnificent save to deny Semir Telalović.
That crucial intervention proved to be a turning point, shifting the momentum firmly in Hamburg's favour. The hosts capitalised, with Königsdörffer putting them ahead in the 42nd minute with a precise right-footed shot from outside the box. The first-half drama wasn't over yet, as Davie Selke added a third in stoppage time with a well-placed header, sending Hamburg into the break with a commanding 3-1 lead.
The second half saw the hosts assert their dominance, effectively ending the contest within minutes of the restart. An unfortunate own goal by Philipp Strompf in the 49th minute extended HSV's lead to 4-1.
Königsdörffer then grabbed his second of the night in the 62nd minute with another well-placed shot, putting the result beyond doubt. As Ulm struggled to find a way back into the match, Hamburg continued to press, with Daniel Elfadli adding a sixth goal in the 86th minute to cap off a memorable night for the hosts, who made sure of their return to the Bundesliga with a game to spare. For Ulm, the third tier beckons.
Königsdörffer emerged as the standout performer in this encounter. His brace was instrumental in Hamburg's victory, with both goals showcasing his clinical finishing and footballing intelligence. Königsdörffer's first goal, a precise shot from outside the box, demonstrated his technique and ability to find space. His second strike in the 62nd minute effectively sealed the match. Beyond his goals, Königsdörffer's movement and link-up play caused constant problems for the Ulm defence.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hamburg 2.31 - Ulm 1.89
Fastest player: Fabio Baldé (Hamburg), 34.38 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Königsdörffer (Hamburg), 8 percent
Most pressed player: Reis (Hamburg), 19 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Felix Higl (Ulm), +2.65
