Match Preview | Hamburger SV vs. Cardiff City

The Bluebirds take on Hamburger SV in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, July 21st in Bramberg, Austria.

The fixture will take place at the Smaragd-Arena in Bramberg, which is the home of Austrian fourth division side, TSU Bramberg, with kick-off at 4pm local time (3pm UK time).

Tickets are only available to be purchased on the gate, costing €15.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | In the dugout

In charge of our opposition is German manager Steffen Baumgart, who was appointed in February 2024. 

Prior to his role with the Hamburg side, he was the manager of FC Köln over a span of three years. 

The 52-year-old also enjoyed a lengthy playing career, racking up over 500 appearances in Germany, turning out for the likes of Wolfsburg and Union Berlin. 

OPPOSITION FOCUS | LAST SEASON

Hamburg have just concluded a sixth consecutive season in the 2. Bundesliga, narrowly missing out on promotion back to the top tier. 

Having spent a large proportion of the season in the top three, HSV fell down to fourth place in the league on the 27th matchday. 

This is where they would remain for the rest of the season, while rivals St Pauli and Holstein Kiel were both promoted.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS

With the aim of returning to the Bundesliga in 2024/25, Hamburg have been bolstering their squad. 

Daniel Elfadli comes in from FC Magdeburg and the 27-year-old has 53 German second tier appearances to his name, including three goals from defensive-midfield. 

Possibly the most noteworthy name added to the HSV squad this summer is experienced forward Davie Selke. The 29 year old joined Hamburg on a free transfer earlier this month. A product of the VFB Stuttgart academy, he has turned out for Bundesliga outfits such as RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin. Selke brings a strong pedigree to the HSV attack.

The side have also secured the services of Polish midfielder Lukasz Poreba from Lens, as well as youngster Adam Krabec on loan from Czechia outfit Sparta Prague.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | CLUB CONNECTION

This Sunday's fixture could see the Bluebirds face off against former City striker Robert Glatzel. The German attacker notched an impressive 22 goals in the last campaign. 

Glatzel made over 50 appearances for City between 2019 and 2021, scoring 11 goals in 58 appearances during his time in the Welsh capital.

After a loan spell at Mainz 05, the striker has impressed as a consistent goal threat since joining Hamburg permanently in 2021, scoring 69 goals in 113 competitive matches.