As the full-time whistle went, fans in the 57,000-strong Volksparkstadion stormed the pitch to celebrate with the players. One of only three German clubs to win the European Cup, the precursor to the Champions League, and a six-time league champion, Hamburg were relegated for the first time in their history in 2018.

Coming into the game needing a victory to guarantee promotion, Hamburger Sports Verein, abbreviated as HSV, fell behind after seven minutes when Ulm's Tom Gaal scored, but hit back three minutes later through Ludovit Reis. After Ulm missed a 36th-minute penalty, Hamburg calmed their nerves with two quick goals before half-time through Ransford-Yeboah Koenigsdoerffer and Davie Selke.

Ulm conceded an own goal from Philipp Strompf early in the second half before Koenigsdoerffer added another. Daniel Elfadli scored with four minutes remaining to put Hamburg on course for the top flight after 2,555 days. The return was piloted by rookie coach Merlin Polzin, 34, who was born in the city and grew up as a Hamburg fan.

The coach disappeared from the pitch almost immediately after the match, returning shortly afterwards. Asked by 'Sky Germany' if the emotions got to him as a long-time fan of the club, Polzin said he was summoned by the call of nature. "I had to rush to the bathroom - I couldn't hold out any longer. But who cares, we did it - HSV is back."

"It's indescribable. Something had been building in the background. We're back. In the end, it's the result of incredibly hard work. A very special moment," Polzin said. The coach confirmed his contract was immediately extended with promotion, but Polzin said "that's the last thing on my mind - we've been promoted!"

Despite resources which dwarf many top-flight teams, Hamburg were unable to return to the top division, finishing fourth three times and third twice. The victory took Hamburg one point clear of Cologne atop the Bundesliga 2 table. Cologne, relegated last season, need at least a point in their final match next week to join Hamburg in the top flight.

Also on Saturday, Holstein Kiel and Bochum were confirmed relegated from the top division. Ulm's defeat seals their relegation to the third tier alongside Jahn Regensburg.

R. Königsdörffer

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