Hamburger SV vs FC Koln

Hamburger SV finally have something to smile about, edging past 1. FC Köln 2-1 at the Volksparkstadion for their first win of the season. It came against the run of play too, with Köln dominating early exchanges and hitting the post through Thijs Dallinga before the hosts turned the game on its head right before the break. Nicolás Capaldo headed home a Grønbæk corner in the 44th minute to send Hamburg in ahead at halftime, and the lead doubled almost immediately after the restart when substitute Yussuf Poulsen, on just minutes, tapped in from close range in the 49th. Köln pushed hard for a way back and picked up several bookings along the way, before Ragnar Ache headed in a stoppage-time consolation in the 90th minute that came too late to change the outcome. For Hamburg, it's a much-needed breakthrough after a rocky start to the campaign, offering real relief and belief heading into the next round of fixtures. Köln, meanwhile, will be frustrated to leave Hamburg empty-handed despite carrying the better chances for large stretches, and will need to tighten up defensively if they want to turn strong performances into points.