Fallen Giants Hamburg Make Their Comeback to the Bundesliga After Seven Seasons in the Second Division

The once-mighty Hamburg has clinched automatic promotion back to the Bundesliga after a seven-year hiatus, delivering a resounding 6-1 victory over relegated Ulm at home on Saturday.

As the final whistle blew, jubilant fans in the packed Volksparkstadion, which accommodates 57,000, rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with the team’s players.

Hamburg, one of only three German clubs to claim the European Cup—the predecessor to the Champions League—and boasting six league titles, faced an unprecedented relegation for the first time in their history back in 2018.

Entering the match needing a win to secure promotion, Hamburg found themselves trailing within the first seven minutes when Ulm’s Tom Gaal netted, but they quickly equalised just three minutes later, thanks to Ludovit Reis.

After Ulm squandered a penalty in the 36th minute, Hamburg seized control, scoring two quick goals before the interval through Ransford-Yeboah Koenigsdoerffer and Davie Selke.

Ulm’s misery continued early in the second half as Philipp Strompf scored an own goal, followed by another from Koenigsdoerffer. With Daniel Elfadli scoring four minutes from time, Hamburg was on its way back to the top flight after a lengthy 2,555 days.

Despite having resources that surpass many established teams, Hamburg had been unable to return to the Bundesliga, finishing fourth on three occasions and third twice in the past years.

Guiding this successful return is rookie coach Merlin Polzin, aged 34, a Hamburg native and lifelong supporter of the club.

“We’ve faced some really tough challenges as a team, but we’ve always managed to bounce back,” Polzin remarked prior to the match.

“This gives me a great deal of confidence that we can turn tonight into something very special.”

This triumph propelled Hamburg to the top of the 2. Bundesliga, one point ahead of FC Koln.

Koln, who were relegated last season, must secure at least a point in their final match next week to join Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

Additionally, on Saturday, Holstein Kiel and Bochum were officially relegated from the top flight.

Ulm’s heavy defeat confirmed their relegation to the third tier alongside Jahn Regensburg.