Hamburg: Promotion ends seven-year Bundesliga absence for German side

Hamburg have earned promotion back to the Bundesliga to end a seven-year absence from the German top flight.

Needing a win to confirm their return, the six-time German champions thrashed Ulm 6-1 at home on Saturday and fans engulfed the pitch at the Volksparkstadion at the final whistle to celebrate.

Hamburg, who are one of only three German clubs to win the European Cup, were relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time in 2018.

“It’s indescribable,” said 34-year-old coach Merlin Polzin, whose side are a point clear of second-placed Cologne at the top of Bundesliga 2 with one game left.

“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.”