Hamburg’s home run continues as 10-man Gladbach suffer record-worst start

Hamburger SV moved to a third consecutive home league victory for the first time since returning to the Bundesliga after beating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1, a result that left Die Fohlen bottom of the table after their worst-ever nine-game start in the top flight.

Borussia Monchengladbach began with purpose, aiming to build on the away win that had brought them their first points of the season. However, an error from Joe Scally almost gifted Hamburg an early breakthrough when Patson Daka intercepted his misplaced backpass. Daniel Batz denied the striker.

Hamburg did not have to wait long for a goal. On 10 minutes, Miro Muheim collected a pass from Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield and struck from distance into the bottom-right corner. It was already his third goal from outside the area this season.

The hosts were soon threatening again after a fluent passing move, although Batz made a strong save from Martin Adeline’s eventual effort.

Gladbach also created opportunities during an open first half. Daniel Heuer Fernandes was forced to keep out a powerful drive from Zento Uno, while Batz produced another good stop at the opposite end to prevent David Moller Wolfe from restoring Hamburg’s advantage.

Hamburg’s control was undone just before the interval. A cross was cleared to Scally on the edge of the penalty area, and although the American mishit his shot, the ball took a deflection off Robin Hack and bounced beyond the stranded Heuer Fernandes.

The visitors’ position worsened shortly after the restart when Ko Itakura was sent off for a second yellow card. He pulled down Muheim as the Hamburg player turned away from him, leaving Borussia Monchengladbach to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Hamburg made the numerical advantage count 10 minutes later. Albert Gronbaek was found inside the penalty area and pulled the ball back to Shafiq Nandja, who was left unmarked and finished confidently to score the first senior goal of his career.

Borussia Monchengladbach still threatened to reduce the deficit, but Sebastiaan Bornauw had to make a goal-saving block after a Hamburg error. Gronbaek then effectively settled the contest with 20 minutes remaining, sending a powerful right-footed shot into the top-right corner with a late curve that left Batz unable to respond.

Wael Mohya, who has recently received his first Germany national team call-up, attempted to spark a comeback by curling an effort over the crossbar. Hamburg remained comfortable and could have added further goals before the final whistle.

Die Rothosen have now ended a three-match losing run and won four of their past five home league fixtures. Alexander Blessin’s Borussia Monchengladbach side remain in serious difficulty, although their dramatic recovery from a comparable start last season will offer some encouragement at Borussia-Park.