Zambia striker leads the line as Hamburger SV return to winning ways with a 3-1 home triumph
Patson Daka completed 90 minutes as Hamburger SV secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in Friday night’s Bundesliga encounter at the Volksparkstadion.
The Chipolopolo striker was handed a starting role by head coach Merlin Polzin and played the full match as Hamburg made a winning start to the ninth matchday of the German top flight.
Daka had an early opportunity to put the hosts ahead in the eighth minute after capitalising on a misplaced back pass, but Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas Batz stood firm to deny him in a one-on-one situation.
Hamburg took the lead three minutes later through a spectacular strike from Miro Muheim, who unleashed a powerful effort from around 30 metres into the top corner.
The visitors responded just before half-time, with Joe Scally finding the bottom corner in the 44th minute to restore parity.
Gladbach’s task became considerably harder after Ko Itakura was sent off in the 49th minute following a second booking.
Hamburg capitalised on their numerical advantage, with 19-year-old Fabio Baldé Nandja restoring their lead in the 60th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound inside the penalty area.
Ten minutes later, Albert Grønbæk produced a stunning long-range finish to make it 3-1 and effectively seal the three points for the hosts.
Daka continued to lead the line as Hamburg controlled proceedings, although he was unable to get on the scoresheet despite creating opportunities and remaining a constant presence in attack.
The victory provides a timely boost for Hamburg as they look to build momentum in their Bundesliga campaign.
For Daka, the full 90 minutes represents an important opportunity to maintain his rhythm and establish himself in the Hamburg attack as the season progresses.
