Fortuna Dusseldorf have defeated Hamburg 2-0 at home in the Bundesliga to increase their chances of avoiding relegation at the end of the season.
Robbie Kruse broke the deadlock at the Esprit Arena in first-half injury time when his shot was deflected into his own goal by Michael Mancienne.
Stefan Reisinger wrapped up the points for Dusseldorf in the 64th minute with a solo effort from close range.
Here Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.
Match statistics:
Fortuna Dusseldorf:
Shots 11
On target 3
Possession 35%
Corners 3
Fouls 18
Hamburg:
Shots 13
On target 4
Possession 65%
Corners 8
Fouls 13
Was the result fair?
Yes. Fortuna Dusseldorf were the better team even though they had the lesser possession of the two sides. The hosts took their chances they created and played intelligent football. They were also buoyed by their loud supporters at home and had Hamburg on the backfoot at crucial stages of the match.
Fortuna Dusseldorf's performance
The newly-promoted Bundesliga side were very impressive against HSV and took their goals brilliantly. Dusseldorf defended well when Hamburg pushed them back, especially in the latter stages of the second half. Reisinger's goal was one of the best in the Bundesliga this season and summed up the hosts' performance on Friday evening.
Hamburg's performance
HSV created chances and had two goals disallowed, but they failed to control Dusseldorf's attacking forays and paid the price for that. The loss of playmaker Rafael van der Vaart to injury hurt the visitors, but overall they were disappointing.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Robbie Kruse: The forward's goal in injury time at the end of the first half swayed the game Dusseldorf's way, as it helped the hosts come out with loads of confidence in the second half. The 24-year-old tested the Hamburg defence throughout the game and came close to scoring more. Kruse was also influential in creating space and chances for his teammates.
Referee's performance
Peter Gagelmann was consistent and professional in his approach on Friday evening and had the game under his control all the time. He did rule out two Hamburg goals, but on both occasions he was correct.
What next?
Fortuna Dusseldorf: Next up for Dusseldorf is a Bundesliga encounter against defending German champions Borussia Dortmund away from home.
Hamburg:Hamburg will be looking to bounce back from this defeat on Tuesday when they host Schalke at home in the Bundesliga.
Subhankar Mondal
