Hamburger SV secures a vital away victory, with Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer and Rayan Philippe finding the net against a struggling 1. FC Heidenheim side.
Hamburger SV claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over 1. FC Heidenheim at the Voith-Arena on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Substitute Rayan Philippe sealed the win with a clinical late strike, after Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer had put HSV ahead just before half-time.
Entering the fixture, Heidenheim languished at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, desperate for points to escape the relegation zone. Hamburger SV, sitting 11th, aimed to build on a recent run of draws and solidify their mid-table position after their promotion.
The match began with a competitive tempo, though a yellow card was quickly shown to HSV's D. Elfadli in the 7th minute for a tripping foul. Both teams exchanged early probing attacks without truly testing the goalkeepers.
Heidenheim, despite being the home side, found it difficult to convert their territorial pressure into clear-cut opportunities. HSV's defense remained organized, thwarting several promising Heidenheim build-ups.
Just as the first half looked set to end goalless, Hamburger SV broke the deadlock in the 45+3 minute. Philip Otele delivered a precise assist, allowing Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer to guide the ball past the Heidenheim goalkeeper, Diant Ramaj, sending HSV into the break with a crucial lead.
At halftime, Heidenheim manager Frank Schmidt faced the task of revitalizing his team's attack. HSV, meanwhile, needed to maintain their defensive solidity and look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack to extend their advantage.
The second half saw immediate tactical adjustments from both benches. Heidenheim introduced O. H. Traore and M. Pieringer, while HSV brought on D. Elfadli and A. S. Lokonga. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into their respective lineups.
Heidenheim pushed harder for an equalizer, making further attacking substitutions. However, their efforts were repeatedly denied by a resolute HSV defense and the excellent Daniel Heuer Fernandes in goal, who made four crucial saves throughout the match.
Hamburger SV effectively sealed the win in the 78th minute. Rayan Philippe, who had replaced Königsdörffer earlier, demonstrated superb composure. He latched onto a well-placed pass from Fábio Vieira, slotting home to double HSV's lead.
Heidenheim briefly thought they had responded in the 82nd minute when S. Schimmer found the net. Yet, the goal was swiftly disallowed for offside after a VAR review, crushing any hopes of a late comeback. HSV's W. Mikelbrencis received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 88th minute.
Despite Heidenheim registering 19 total shots compared to HSV's 14, Hamburg proved more clinical, converting two of their five shots on target. The expected goals (xG) were closely matched at 1.47 for Heidenheim and 1.48 for HSV, highlighting the efficiency of the visitors.
This well-earned victory lifts Hamburger SV to 25 points, moving them closer to the top half of the Bundesliga table. For 1. FC Heidenheim, the 0-2 defeat deepens their relegation woes, leaving them rooted at the bottom with just 13 points.
