MD15: Berlin 1–3 Hamburg
Deutschland Derby Doesn't Disappoint
By: Drew Peacock 🦚
Fantasy Sim League's two German clubs would face off for the first time this season on this, the fifteenth match day. FC Berlin would play host to SC Hamburg 23 and their stadium was packed. The two clubs, separated by just 290 kilometers, mostly on the A24, came into the match separated by 7 points through fourteen matches played. Neither side made any significant changes to their lineups, and there were no injuries or suspensions to account for before the match kicked off.
Both teams would find each other really difficult to break down in the first half. Hamburg did not even register a shot, while Berlin only forced a simple save from Hamburg keeper Becky Blake in the first half. Very low defensive lines and some questionable passing would see these sides start the second half the same way it started, scoreless.
Hamburg captain Akiyama Hernandez recognized that a change was needed and brought on super sub Ethan Lederman Jr at halftime to try and change the complexion of the match. However, Berlin would be on the front foot early in the second half. In the 72nd minute, Fantastico would create the first real chance of the game by pushing the ball onto his stronger left foot, but his curling effort went just wide of the goal posts.
A strong counterattack saw Hamburg take the lead through striker Oscar Piastri in the 77th minute. Akiyama was able to receive the ball & quickly send Piastri in behind the Berlin defense, where he used his pace and strength to hold off young Berlin defender Yev Lashin. Remmington had no chance of stopping his shot either; the visitors now led by one. Not to be outdone, Berlin responded immediately with a goal of their own! Romeo Keitel made a spectacular run, and former captain Floyd Lawton found him in the Hamburg box. Keitel's composed finish would bring the game back level.
Lederman, the halftime substitute, was able to make an impact off the bench again, this time in the 82nd minute. He intercepted an attempted clearance from the Berlin defense, found Akiyama, and then moved into open space towards the Berlin goal. Akiyama found him through a tight window, and Lederman gave his side the lead, two goals to one. Not even three minutes later, Lederman would double the visitor's lead. Berlin's defense pushed hard to equalize and was caught out of position by the duo of Piastri and Akiyama. Akiyama would have scored, but he slipped, and his effort went off the post. Lederman seized the loose ball and scored his second goal on just two attempts.
The match would end that way, one goal to three. The three points for Hamburg help them stay in the race for a top-4 spot. Madrid jumped into fourth after their win earlier in the match day, on 27 points. Following them are Brussels and Norden both on 25 points, and finally Hamburg, with 24 points. The home team did not do enough to dig themselves out of the bottom of the table this week. They'll be hoping for better fortune in the coming weeks.
