Bayer 04 Leverkusen won the rescheduled Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV 1-0. Christian Kofane scored the decisive goal for the visitors in the 73rd minute. HSV remains close to the relegation playoff spot.
The 17th matchday fixture, originally scheduled for January 13 but canceled due to frost and pooled thaw water on the Volksparkstadion's roof membrane, took place under milder conditions. Before 57,000 spectators in the sold-out stadium, Leverkusen started without top scorer Patrik Schick, who suffered a muscular injury. The 19-year-old Cameroonian Christian Kofane replaced him.
The visitors showed early intent: After seven minutes, 18-year-old debutant Montrell Culbreath missed a header, and Martin Terrier hit the crossbar. The first half ended goalless, despite Leverkusen creating more chances. HSV coach Merlin Polzin managed without vice-captains Nicolas Capaldo (abdominal muscle injury) and Miro Muheim (yellow-card suspension), and spared captain Yussuf Poulsen for load management. Bakery Jatta left injured after 30 minutes.
The second half featured contentious moments: A foul by HSV stand-in captain Nicolai Remberg on Ibrahim Maza was initially penalized as a penalty, but the video assistant referee corrected it to a free kick outside the box. Later, Luka Vuskovic stepped on Kofane's foot, but only a free kick was awarded. HSV's first clear chance came in the 55th minute when Remberg's close-range shot was saved by Bayer goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. A header from Edmond Tapsoba was disallowed for handball.
The decisive goal came in the 73rd minute: Assisted by Maza, Kofane finished past HSV goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes for 1-0. HSV pressed late but failed to equalize.
Bayer sports director Simon Rolfes praised: "We need to close the gap, we're in the hunter's position, so the win was very important. We'll stay on it and won't give up." He called the performance "a big step forward. A good game."
Leverkusen ended a three-game winless run and, as sixth in the table, closed to one point behind fifth-placed RB Leipzig ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie against FC Arsenal. Eleventh-placed HSV, winless in three league games, sits four points above the relegation playoff spot.
