Michael Gregoritsch's stunning free-kick in the dying embers of the game sealed a memorable late win for Hamburger SV over FC Ingolstadt 04.
Early openings few and far between
It was an interesting start to proceedings in Bavaria and both sides had their chances to open the scoring. Marvin Matip did excellently to prevent the ball falling to Pierre-Michel Lasogga for a tap-in, while Lukas Hinterseer saw his strong shot fly just wide. The pair also had penalty appeals turned down, with two fantastic opportunities to fall soon after.
A lovely passing move seen Nicolai Müller break past the back-line and through to the Ingolstadt goal, only for the ever-impressive Ramazan Özcan to sprawl himself and block the forward's attempt at rounding him. Mathew Leckie responded in the attack that followed and the Australian international was a whisker away from finding the bottom corner with a wicked volley.
In what was a very tight and tense affair between two sides who were strong defensively, chances were proving hard to come by. The midfield battle was going to be crucial and both were not budging, as the two formations were so similar they were able to cancel each other out. Unfortunately, for both sets of fans and any neutrals, that was the way the game remained until half time and both went in level at the break.
Second half is a big improvement
The second half did begin much more brightly and saw Lasogga pass up a golden chances within minutes of the restart. Ivo Ilicevic, despite being under massive pressure from Roger, managed to dig out a cross to the powerful front-man but he couldn't get enough purchase on the header that flashed wide in the end.
Ingolstadt responded immediately and had a lovely both cut short by an outstretched hand from Jaroslav Drobny. They even had the ball in the back of the not not long after, only for it to be ruled out for offside. A free-kick from the right was headed on towards the back post and Hinterseer, who gleefully tapped in at the back post but for the flag to be raised. On second inspection, the ball came off a HSV head and would have meant he was onside.
Stefan Lex was continuing to threaten and he had an effort brilliantly stopped by Drobny, after he ran clean through on goal and attempted to chip him. There was then a second goal in the game that would be ruled out, this time Hamburg would be the unlucky side. Johan Djourou headed past Özcan with a wonderfully place effort, only to have it disallowed for a foul on Benjamin Hübner.
The game was meandering towards full time and looked destined for a draw, until the final few minutes. Michael Gregoritsch had already scored one late goal this season but his free-kick in the 87th minute was quite incredible. The summer signing stepped up and bent the ball up and over the wall, kissing the underside of the bar and ending up in the net. The HSV faithful could hardly believe their eyes, as they snatched a win at the death.