News Focus
- Sander Tangvik delivers sensational debut performance in goal for Hamburger SV
- Norwegian keeper saves Patrik Schick’s penalty and denies multiple clear chances
- Fabio Vieira scores brilliant opener before late own goal forces share of spoils
- Kasper Hjulmand set to depart Leverkusen after disappointing sixth-place finish
- Hamburg conclude return season to Bundesliga in 13th place with 38 points
HSV head coach Merlin Polzin sprang a major surprise by handing Sander Tangvik his first start between the sticks. The 23-year-old Norwegian arrived from Rosenborg in January to fill the void left by Daniel Peretz.
Tangvik emerged as the star of the first half. He denied Exequiel Palacios early on with a fine stop. The biggest test came after 25 minutes when Jordan Torunarigha fouled Patrik Schick inside the box. The Czech striker took the spot-kick, but Tangvik guessed correctly and pushed it away. The keeper boasts an impressive record against penalties. He conceded only six of 11 attempts during his time in Norway’s Eliteserien.
The visitors finished the opening period strongly. They forced another excellent save from Tangvik just before the break when he blocked Malik Tillmann’s effort. However, Leverkusen could not find the net.
The home side grew in confidence after the interval. They broke the deadlock on the hour mark when Fabio Vieira fired home a superb goal. The Portuguese midfielder may have played his final match for the club.
Tangvik deserved a clean sheet for his heroic display. Yet that hope disappeared after 78 minutes. Nicolai Remberg accidentally turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a header from Jarell Quansah.
The away side pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Poor finishing and Tangvik’s outstanding reflexes denied them victory. The clash ended in a one-all draw.
The result confirms a disappointing sixth-place finish for Leverkusen. Kasper Hjulmand is unlikely to remain as head coach following the campaign. Meanwhile, Hamburger SV ended their first season back in the top flight in 13th position with 38 points.