Bundesliga
Luka Vušković and Rayan Philippe were on the scoresheet as Hamburg secured their first Bundesliga win since returning to Germany's top flight, holding off a late fightback from Heidenheim at the Volksparkstadion.
Hamburg 2-1 Heidenheim
Goals: 1-0 Vušković 42’, 2-0 Philippe 60‘ (assist: Vieira), 2-1 Kölle 90‘+3
With just one point between them from their opening three matches, both sides entered this contest searching for their first win of the season. Hamburg, back in the Bundesliga after a long absence, had yet to find the back of the net this term, while Heidenheim arrived as the only team to have lost all three of their opening fixtures.
For Heidenheim boss Frank Schmidt, now in his remarkable 18th year as manager – making him the longest-serving coach in world football – this represented another chance to secure the club's first points of the season.
Heidenheim started the brighter of the two sides, winning a series of early corners as they looked to capitalise on Hamburg's early-season defensive frailties. The visitors' pressing nearly paid dividends when Luca Kerber headed Jonas Föhrenbach's cross towards goal, but Daniel Heuer Fernandes produced a fine reaction save to deny him.
The hosts grew into the contest, with Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer forcing a smart stop from Diant Ramaj after being played through by Fábio Vieira. The deadlock was broken three minutes before half-time when Vušković pounced on a loose ball following a free-kick to fire home from close range, sending the Volksparkstadion into raptures as HSV scored their first Bundesliga goal of the season.
The second half began with both sides exchanging opportunities. Mikkel Kaufmann tested Heuer Fernandes with a powerful strike from inside the box, while at the other end, Jean-Luc Dompé and Nicolai Remberg both forced saves from Ramaj.
Hamburg doubled their advantage in the 59th minute with a well-worked move following a quick free-kick. Vieira exchanged passes with Giorgi Gocholeishvili before cutting the ball back to Philippe, who calmly slotted home from close range for his first Bundesliga goal.
The hosts were now playing with confidence, with Vieira nearly adding a spectacular third when his long-range effort whistled just past the post. Heidenheim refused to give up and grabbed a late consolation in the third minute of stoppage time when Adam Kölle, making his Bundesliga debut, turned home Omar Traoré's vollied effort.
Robert Glatzel nearly restored Hamburg's two-goal cushion immediately afterwards, but his effort struck the crossbar as the hosts held on for a precious 2-1 victory.
The 19-year-old Croatian defender was instrumental in Hamburg's first Bundesliga victory since their return to the top flight. Not only did Vušković score the crucial opening goal – Hamburg's first of the season – but he was a commanding presence at the back over the course of the 90 minutes.
The centre-back won 10 defensive challenges, the most of any Hamburg player, and showed remarkable composure for a teenager on such a significant occasion. Beyond his defensive duties, Vušković demonstrated his ability to carry the ball out from the back and initiate attacks, and his goal in the 42nd minute ignited the Volksparkstadion crowd, providing his team the platform to secure a vital three points.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hamburg 2.75 - Heidenheim 2.67
Fastest player: Arijon Ibrahimović (Heidenheim), 35.08 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Adam Kölle (Heidenheim), 30 percent
Most pressed player: Giorgi Gocholeishvili (Hamburg), 10 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Niklas Dorsch (Heidenheim), +3.46
Fantasy Heroes: Luka Vušković (Hamburg, 324 Points), Daniel Heuer Fernandes (Hamburg, 243 Points), Fábio Vieira (Hamburger, 241 Points)