Frankfurt beats HSV emergency team and advances to the round of 16

The score was still 0:0 after the first half. The Frankfurt players found the decisive breakthrough in the second half and successfully defended their advantage until the final whistle against the injury-hit HSV side.

Frankfurt decides the match in the second half

The referee’s decision to continue the match caused unrest. Whistles rang out from the stands against the official before HSV coach Merlin Polzin reacted angrily.

Although HSV had considerably more players available on the pitch than the nominally depleted Frankfurt squad, Eintracht secured a clear victory. HSV’s early injury crisis therefore proved to be a decisive disadvantage.

Unrest following the referee’s decision

The victory fits into a cup season in which Eintracht Frankfurt continue to perform successfully. With the 3:1 win against Bundesliga side HSV, the club is now in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup.

For Hamburger SV, the cup ended with defeat against a severely depleted side. Merlin Polzin’s team are therefore eliminated from the competition at an early stage, while Frankfurt reach the next round.

The situation before the match was unusually asymmetric: Hamburger SV had to respond to six absences, while the Frankfurt side were largely able to field their regular squad. Under these circumstances, an Eintracht victory was not unusual.

Nevertheless, the 3:1 result provided a successful start to the cup campaign. Frankfurt cleared the hurdle at home, while the Hamburg side were unable to continue in the competition despite numerous absences.