Hamburg snapped a two-match losing run to claim a crucial victory in their relegation six-pointer against Borussia Monchengladbach. Spectacular strikes from Muheim and Gronbaek headlined an enthralling contest turned on its head by Itakura's dismissal early in the second half. Gladbach had restored parity through Scally following the hosts' opener, but they ultimately crumbled as Hamburg made their numerical advantage tell to wrap up all three points.

Hamburg weathered early pressure before breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute, courtesy of a sensational left-footed thunderbolt from Muheim from some 30 metres out. A defensive lapse from the full-back subsequently gifted the visitors an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. However, Itakura's red card swung momentum firmly back to the hosts, and Merlin Polzin's side ruthlessly capitalised on their numerical edge. 19-year-old Nandja bagged his first senior goal on the hour mark before Gronbaek put the result beyond doubt ten minutes later with another long-range rocket into the top corner, capping a sparkling display featuring a goal and an assist for the Dane.

Gladbach had threatened early on through Machino, while Daka also carved out a fine chance for Hamburg. Yet it was the home side who drew first blood through Muheim's screamer. Scally engineered the equaliser in the 44th minute when his volley took a heavy deflection off teammate Robin Hack. The second half hinged on Itakura's dismissal for a second yellow card in the 49th minute following a foul on Gronbaek. Reduced to ten men, Borussia were unable to withstand the subsequent onslaught and conceded twice more. Recent Germany call-up Wael Mohya could do little to avert a defeat that leaves Gladbach firmly rooted to the foot of the table.