Vlietstra's two goals sink HSV 3-0

Sil Vlietstra put the game beyond Hamburg in the 27th minute. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, he shifted his weight and curled a low shot past Daniel Amarelle. It was the first of two goals for the Dutchman, who added a second late on to cap a performance that earned him player of the match.

Bayern had not been at their best in recent weeks, but they controlled the match from the off. Teodoro Brugué doubled the lead nine minutes after Vlietstra's opener, finishing a move that began with a turnover in midfield. Hamburg, for all their possession, could not turn it into chances, managing just three shots over the ninety minutes.

The result was a statement from the champions. Our preview had suggested Bayern's tired legs might be vulnerable against an HSV side that had not lost in 13 matches. But the home side's quality told. Emeka Omotayo, on a booking from the 17th minute, was exceptional in midfield, winning seven tackles and covering 13.4 kilometres before being replaced in the 87th minute.

Hamburg's unbeaten run is over. They had drawn four of their last five, and that lack of cutting edge was evident here. In-Sung Han was isolated, and the visitors' midfield, while tidy in possession, could not find a way through. Bayern's back four, led by Cornel Iosif and Nadin Suller, dealt with everything that came their way.

It was a satisfying afternoon for Bayern, who remain top of the Bundesliga. For Hamburg, the defeat is a reminder of the gap between the league's best and the rest.