Friday, November 3, 2023

Stuttgart triumphs over Hamburg 3-0 in Bundesliga playoff first leg

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Stuttgart Takes Commanding Lead in Bundesliga Playoff Against Hamburg

Hamburger SV’s hopes of returning to the Bundesliga after a five-year absence appear to be dwindling. Stuttgart took a commanding lead in the first leg of their playoff with a 3-0 victory over Hamburg on Thursday, with Serhou Guirassy playing a key role in securing the win.

Despite missing a one-on-one chance and having a penalty saved in the first half, Guirassy scored Stuttgart’s third goal early in the second half. Hamburg’s task was made even more difficult when substitute Anssi Suhonen was sent off for a studs-up lunge at Josha Vagnoman’s thigh in the 69th minute.

Stuttgart, who finished third from bottom in the Bundesliga, are now on course to stay in the first division before the second leg of the playoff in Hamburg on Monday. Hamburg, who finished third in the second division, will need a miracle to turn things around.

Before the game, there was a minute’s silence in tribute to a 15-year-old player who died after a post-match brawl at an international youth tournament in Frankfurt last weekend.

Stuttgart got off to a great start with Konstantinos Mavropanos heading the opener inside the first minute. Despite Hamburg goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes making several saves, Stuttgart effectively sealed the win with goals from Vagnoman and Guirassy.

Hamburg, the last remaining founding member of the Bundesliga, have been bidding for promotion since their relegation in 2018. They finished fourth in 2019, 2020, and 2021 before finishing third last year for a playoff against Hertha Berlin. However, Hertha prevailed on that occasion.

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