Last-minute win: HSV women triumph in relegation thriller! | OneFootball

The HSV women started the year 2026 with a pivotal home game against SGS Essen and managed to climb out of the relegation zone.

Before the kickoff, only one point separated the two teams. The HSV women had plummeted to the second-to-last place after ten consecutive league games without a win, trailing behind yesterday's opponents. On the field at the Volksparkstadion, a balanced encounter unfolded. The 4,410 spectators, who protested against the still-present Monday games in the Women's Bundesliga during the first 14 minutes, witnessed few goal scenes in the first half. Maria Mikolajova squandered the best opportunity for Hamburg with a direct shot.

After the break, the action picked up pace. In the 50th minute, Sophie Hillebrand capitalized on a mistake by Lany Mia Bäcker and sent the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead. The HSV women then maintained control but conceded an equalizer almost out of nowhere. Paulina Platner headed in a corner from Natasha Kowalski to level the score, as Lea Paulick, who was signed from Frankfurt to address concerns in the goalkeeper position, did not come out of the goal decisively enough (67th minute).

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HSV Women: Hillebrand becomes the match-winner

Paulick quickly redeemed her mistake by making a strong save against Laureta Elmazi to prevent falling behind. In the previous attack, Melanie Brunnthaler was denied by SGS goalkeeper Kim-Lea Sindermann. The visitors retreated in the final phase, as they were more content with the draw. The HSV women, on the other hand, increased the pressure again and were awarded a penalty in injury time due to a slight push by Vanessa Fürst against Camilla Linberg – one of five winter signings – which Hillebrand confidently converted into the celebrated 2-1 winning goal.

Thanks to their first home win, the Hamburg women moved past Essen in the standings and are back in a non-relegation spot. There was great relief both among the players and coach Liese Brancao: “The first home win feels very good. It's a feeling you want to experience every weekend.” The next opportunity arises already next Sunday when SC Freiburg visits the Volksparkstadion.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.