HSV Dominates Kaiserslautern, Seizes Temporary Lead in Bundesliga 2
Hamburg, Germany – The Hamburger SV (HSV) delivered an impressive performance in front of their home crowd, crushing 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3-0 (1-0) in the 2. Fußball-Bundesliga. Despite the absence of their ill coach Merlin Polzin, the North Germans put on a clinic, briefly taking the top spot in the league standings.
The Hanseaten controlled the match for long stretches, outplaying the Pfälzer in almost every aspect of the game. Davie Selke, who netted a brace, was the standout performer for HSV, while Fabio Baldé added another goal to seal the victory.
Assistant coach Loic Favé downplayed his own role in Polzin’s absence, expressing concern for his boss. "I hope that this victory can contribute a bit to his recovery. I think it must be horrible to sit at home and watch the game like that," Favé said. "I hope Merlin gets well as soon as possible." Polzin joined the post-match celebrations via video call.
Kaiserslautern, under the guidance of coach Markus Anfang, was completely harmless in attack and suffered its first loss in the second half of the season. "I must say that we played against an absolute top team today," Anfang said, congratulating HSV on their "deserved victory." He added, "I think they will definitely be promoted this year. The squad is simply top-notch."
Favé witnessed his HSV side dictate the tempo of the match. The first half, however, was a quiet affair, with the North Germans failing to capitalize on their possession advantages.
Selke, who was a constant threat throughout the game, finally broke the deadlock just before halftime. He received a cross from William Mikelbrencis, took it down on his chest, and calmly slotted the ball into the net. Kaiserslautern had a golden opportunity to equalize immediately after, but Erik Wekesser missed a sitter.
Selke, unfazed by a disallowed offside goal, continued to torment Kaiserslautern and doubled HSV’s lead in the second half. He finished off a beautiful passing sequence, scoring his 16th goal of the season. Baldé added a third for the dominant hosts. Another offside goal, this time from Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, was ruled out after the intervention of the video assistant referee.
With the victory, HSV sends a strong message to its promotion rivals. The Hanseaten have now won seven of their last eight matches and are firmly in contention for a return to the Bundesliga.
