Returning giants Hamburg working hard on top-flight survival
The three-time Bundesliga winners Hamburg returned to Germany’s top flight under the stewardship of Merlin Polzin and enjoyed a successful end to 2025, heading into the winter break four points clear of the promotion/relegation play-off.
After enjoying consecutive wins against high-flying VfB Stuttgart and Nordderby rivals Werder Bremen, confidence is high as HSV head into the new year with just one defeat in their last four Bundesliga games.
A draw against Champions League participants Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 15 exhibited just how quickly Polzin’s side have adapted upon their return.
But after a seven-year absence, it hasn’t been easy for the Red Shorts who have overcome several hurdles. A 0-0 draw at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 1 preceded defeats against rivals St. Pauli and reigning champions Bayern Munich.
After three games, Hamburg found themselves down in the doldrums with one point from a possible nine with the worst attack (zero goals) and second-worst defence (seven conceded).
Active in the transfer market with no fewer than 11 signings, things eventually began to click. Luka Vušković’s arrival on loan from Tottenham Hotspur was key to Hamburg’s defensive improvement under Polzin. Making his debut against Bayern, the 18-year-old senior Croatia international is taking the Bundesliga by storm with his commanding performances, starting 13 consecutive games for his new club.
Picking up their first Bundesliga win since May 2018 against Heidenheim, Vušković opened the scoring against in the Matchday 4 encounter as the Dinos went three games unbeaten with two wins and a draw, recording clean sheets against Union Berlin and Mainz.
Voted back-to-back Rookie of the Month for September and October, the arrival and performances of Vušković was a catalyst for HSV’s success. At 1.93m, the towering defender is a monster in the air, winning 74 of his aerial duels, joint-first alongside Union’s Danilho Doekhi, and ranks in the top 10 for duels won (152).
Watch: Vušković wins October Rookie of the Month!
“I think I have the height; I have good timing, and yes, I try to give my best in every header, in every drill, because that's part of my game,” he told the Bundesliga. “As a defender, you have to work on [these things] a lot because in this division there are many long balls, many crosses, and I'm really happy that my stats are good and that I'm helping the team in that way.”
Vušković was also lauded for his potentially life-saving intervention following an injury to Rasmus Kristensen. The Croatian starlet rushed to Kristensen’s aid, sticking his fingers into the Dane’s mouth to make sure he did not swallow his tongue after hitting the ground and staying down. His response is all the more remarkable, considering his age.
While Hamburg have shored up their defence, fans are seeing improvements in the final third. Yussuf Poulsen netted his maiden goal for his new club on Matchday 13 in their 3-2 win over Bremen.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - who is developing an understanding alongside Nicolai Remberg in the middle of the pitch - and Fábio Vieira's arrivals from Arsenal have also coincided with Hamburg’s uptick in form. The duo have returned three goals and two assists combined in their club’s last four Bundesliga fixtures of the year, as Polzin’s side ended the year on a high.
Watch: Hamburg 3-2 Bremen
Only Bayern and Borussia Dortmund have picked up more points than Hamburg in their final four games of 2025.
Approaching the halfway stage, HSV have laid a good foundation for 2026. “It was a fine conclusion to an energetic and exciting year,” beamed goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes after their draw against Frankfurt. “It’s a deserved and appropriate end to the year,” added Polzin.
A returning Bundesliga giant, Hamburg have made the Volksparkstadion into a fortress with just two defeats at home in 2025/26. Entering 2026 on an upward trajectory, HSV’s next aim will be to secure their Bundesliga status.
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