In a thrilling display of determination and skill, the Hamburger SV women's team has secured their promotion to the Bundesliga, triumphing over SC Freiburg II with a commanding 3:0 victory on May 11, 2025. This remarkable achievement comes just a day after the men's team celebrated their own ascent, marking a historic double promotion for the club.
The match, held at the HSV's home ground, saw goals from Christin Meyer in the 53rd minute, Lotta Wrede in the 74th, and Svea Stoldt in the 81st, solidifying their place in the top tier of German women's football. With this win, the HSV women finished the season in third place with 50 points, a position that guarantees their promotion thanks to the Bundesliga's expansion from twelve to fourteen teams next season.
After 13 long years since the club disbanded its women’s team from the Bundesliga, the return to the top flight is a moment of joy for the fans and players alike. The team’s journey back has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering they were relegated to the fourth tier in the interim. The victory over Freiburg II not only sealed their promotion but also confirmed the relegation of Turbine Potsdam, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
Coach Marwin Bolz, who has led the team through this successful campaign, will step down at the end of the season, with Brazilian Liese Brancao set to take over. Bolz has been instrumental in guiding the team to this achievement, and his departure marks the end of an era. Under his leadership, the team has shown resilience and skill, bouncing back from a rocky start to dominate the second half of the season.
The match itself was a showcase of the HSV women’s dominance, particularly in the second half. After a goalless first half, Meyer broke the deadlock, converting a corner kick that set the tone for the rest of the match. The team maintained control, with Freiburg struggling to cope with the pressure. The turning point came in the 71st minute when Freiburg’s goalkeeper Julia Kassen was shown a red card for a foul outside the penalty area, leaving the visitors with ten players and paving the way for HSV to capitalize on their advantage.
Wrede and Stoldt’s goals sealed the deal, with the latter’s strike coming just ten minutes after the team had gained the numerical advantage. The jubilant atmosphere was palpable as the players celebrated their hard-fought victory, although the fans respected the moment by staying behind barriers, chanting “Never again second league, never again, never again!”
This season has been a rollercoaster for the HSV women, who began with a 2:2 draw against Union Berlin in their opening match. Despite a shaky start, which included a string of mixed results, the team found their rhythm and finished strong with impressive victories, including a staggering 9:0 win against MSV Duisburg in the DFB-Pokal.
The DFB-Pokal run was particularly noteworthy, as the team reached the semi-finals, where they faced Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in front of a record crowd of 57,000 fans at the Volksparkstadion. Although they lost in extra time, the match set a new attendance record for women’s club football in Germany, showcasing the growing popularity and support for the women’s game.
As the HSV women prepare for their return to the Bundesliga, plans are already in motion to host all home games at the Volksparkstadion, moving from their previous venue at Platz 6. This change reflects the club's ambition and commitment to elevating the women’s game to new heights.
Looking ahead, the squad will retain key players, including top scorer Christin Meyer, who netted eight goals in 25 appearances this season, and defensive stalwart Jobina Lahr. The team’s young talents, such as midfielder Lisa Baum, will also be crucial as they aim to compete at the highest level in the upcoming Bundesliga season.
The excitement surrounding the HSV women’s return to the Bundesliga is palpable, and fans are eager to see how the team will fare against the best in the country. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the future looks bright for Hamburger SV as they embark on this new chapter in their history.
In conclusion, the double promotion for Hamburger SV is a testament to the club's resilience and dedication to both their men's and women's teams. As they prepare to take on the challenges of the Bundesliga, supporters can look forward to a thrilling season ahead.
