Clash for the city crown: HSV and St. Pauli in Derby frenzy
Hamburg City Derby: A Thrilling Event Awaits as HSV and FC St. Pauli Clash
After a 14-year absence, the city derby between Hamburger SV (HSV) and FC St. Pauli returns to the Bundesliga, promising an electrifying atmosphere at the Volksparkstadion. The match, scheduled for Friday evening at 8:30 PM, will see over 57,000 fans, with approximately 51,000 cheering for the promoted team, FC St. Pauli.
For HSV, this derby marks the first as head coach for Merlin Polzin. Polzin, who was a fan at the last Bundesliga encounter in 2011, when St. Pauli won 1:0 at Volksparkstadion, has appealed to the fans to ensure a peaceful event. On the other hand, Alexander Blessin, coach of FC St. Pauli, is also experiencing his first city derby. He described the derby as "a thrilling event" that will captivate the entire nation.
Both teams started the season with draws. FC St. Pauli showed resilience in their opener, coming back from a two-goal deficit against Borussia Dortmund to secure a 3:3 draw, while HSV displayed stability in their Bundesliga return, playing out a 0:0 draw in Mönchengladbach.
In the build-up to the derby, both coaches have chosen to refrain from any provocative remarks. Instead, they have emphasised the importance of teamwork and experience. Polzin and Blessin have urged their teams to "act with a cool head and a hot heart" and to "play with passion and unity" in the "cauldron" that is the derby.
Preseason impressions and the Bundesliga opener suggest that FC St. Pauli may have the upper hand. The team has undergone eight new signings and has shown a more cohesive performance, while HSV had a challenging preseason with multiple losses.
Former HSV player and TV expert, Erik Meijer, believes that FC St. Pauli goes into the match as the favourite due to their performance last season, their game against Dortmund, and their current cohesion. Thomas Doll, a former HSV player and coach, praised his former club, stating that "The HSV simply belongs in the Bundesliga. It's such a fantastic club with so much power."
The anticipation among fans of both clubs is palpable. The derby is being eagerly awaited, with former HSV player and goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt (51) and European Cup winner Jimmy Hartwig (70) recently inducted into the "Walk of Fame" near Volksparkstadion alongside Thomas Doll, adding to the excitement.
As the city derby approaches, both teams and their fans are ready to showcase their passion and determination. The stage is set for an unforgettable night of football in Hamburg.
