German Bundesliga side Hamburger SV secured a 2-1 victory over FC Cologne at the Volksparkstadion on Saturday, with Yussuf Poulsen scoring shortly after half-time to help the hosts claim all three points.
Hamburger SV took the lead shortly before the break when Nicolás Capaldo headed home in the 44th minute.
Albert Grønbæk delivered the ball into the area from a corner, and Capaldo reacted quickest to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Hamburger SV doubled their lead four minutes into the second half through Poulsen.
The Denmark international, introduced at the interval, finished a quick move after another delivery from Grønbæk to put the hosts in control.
Köln dominated possession and spent long periods pressing for a way back into the game, but Hamburger SV defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter.
The visitors had more of the ball but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut opportunities.
Köln eventually pulled one back in the 90th minute when Ragnar Ache headed home from an Ellyes Skhiri cross.
The late goal gave the visitors hope of salvaging a point, but Hamburger SV held firm during stoppage time to preserve their lead.
The visitors finished with 18 attempts to Hamburger SV’s 12 and also edged the hosts on expected goals.
However, Hamburger SV were more effective in front of goal, registering seven shots on target compared with Köln’s five.
Grønbæk was particularly influential for the hosts, providing the deliveries for both goals, while Capaldo combined his goal with a strong defensive performance.
Goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes also made four saves as Hamburger SV resisted Köln’s late pressure.
The victory sees Hamburger SV continue their Bundesliga campaign with an important home win, while Köln will be left to reflect on their failure to convert their greater possession and attacking pressure into points.
