Daniel Heuer Fernandes in inspired form as Hamburg sweep Heidenheim aside to claim first away league win
Hamburg got their first Bundesliga away win in over seven years with a clinical 2-0 victory over Heidenheim, thanks to goals from Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer and Rayan Philippe, and a sensational goalkeeping display from Daniel Heuer Fernandes.
Heidenheim 0-2 Hamburg
Goals: 0-1 Königsdörffer 45’+3 (assist: Otele), 0-2 Philippe 78‘ (assist: Vieira)
The clash at the Voith-Arena brought together two sides desperate for points but with contrasting home and away fortunes. Rock-bottom Heidenheim entered the match winless in seven Bundesliga matches, having collected just 13 points from 20 games.
Meanwhile, Hamburg arrived in search of their first away win of the season, despite having earned an impressive 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in their previous match.
With 16 of their 19 points coming at home, Hamburg's away form had been their Achilles heel, scoring just four goals on their travels all season.
Heidenheim started brightly with Niklas Dorsch forcing an excellent save from Heuer Fernandes in the fifth minute. As the half progressed, though, Hamburg gradually took control through their dominance in possession, with debutant Philip Otele looking lively on the left wing.
The visitors had a let-off when Miro Muheim misplaced a pass to Marvin Pieringer, but the Heidenheim forward couldn't capitalise with Heuer Fernandes out of position.
Just when the half seemed destined to end goalless, Hamburg struck in stoppage time. Otele played a precise pass to Königsdörffer, who fired clinically into the net from the edge of the box to give the visitors a crucial lead.
Both sides made double changes at half-time, with Frank Schmidt introducing Stefan Schimmer and Sirlord Conteh to bolster Heidenheim's attack. The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser, creating several good chances as the half wore on.
Patrick Mainka forced a superb save from Heuer Fernandes with a header, while Eren Dinkçi and Benedikt Gimber also went close.
Hamburg were clinical on the counter-attack, however, and sealed the points in the 78th minute. Fábio Vieira found space on the right and delivered a perfect cross for substitute Philippe, who finished emphatically from close range.
Heidenheim thought they had pulled one back through Schimmer, but their celebrations were cut short by VAR, which ruled the goal out for offside.
Man of the Match: Daniel Heuer Fernandes
The Hamburg goalkeeper produced an absolutely stellar performance to secure his clean sheet and the three points for his side.
Heuer Fernandes made several crucial interventions, particularly in the second half when Heidenheim applied considerable pressure in search of an equaliser. His superb reactions denied Mainka's header, while he also made excellent stops from Dinkçi and Gimber as the hosts threw everything forward.
Despite Heidenheim creating chances worth 1.94 expected goals, Heuer Fernandes stood firm to help Hamburg secure their first away win of the season and take a significant step away from the relegation zone.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 1.94 - Hamburg 1.63
Fastest player: Bakery Jatta (Hamburg), 34.93 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (Hamburg), 8 per cent
Most pressed player: Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (Hamburg), 16 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Fábio Vieira (Hamburg), 2.11
Fantasy Heroes: Patrick Mainka (Heidenheim, 256 Points), Philip Otele (Hamburg, 232 Points), Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (Hamburg, 217 Points)
Related news
Goalkeepers ready for Hamburg derby
Nikola Vasilj and Daniel Heuer Fernandes could play a big part as their sides look to rejuvenate their respective seasons at the Millerntor.
Kade fires Augsburg back to winning ways
Anton Kade's second-half volley proved decisive against HSV as Augsburg ended their three-match losing streak.
Union and Hamburg in capital stalemate
Daniel Heuer Fernandes emerged as HSV's hero, saving Andrej Ilić's first-half penalty to help his side secure a valuable point at Union Berlin.