Hamburger 0 - 1 Wolfsburg: Luiz Gustavo's goal sinks Hamburg as Wolfsburg end wait for victory

Posted Sunday, May 08, 2016 by PA

Wolfsburg ended a seven-game wait for a win by beating rivals Hamburg 1-0 on Saturday.

Luiz Gustavo scored the only goal of an otherwise lifeless derby at the Volksparkstadion to ensure they cannot be dragged into relegation danger next weekend, while Hamburg are also safe from the drop despite defeat.

Neither side were mathematically safe going into a northern Germany derby which lacked its usual prestige, with both sides coming to terms with a disappointing season no matter what the outcome.

Hamburg showed a little more determination in the early exchanges, but apart from a header from Michael Gregoritsch which cleared the crossbar, chances were a rarity.

Wolfsburg had a few moments of their own towards the end of the first half, but Jaroslav Drobny had denied Naldo before Christian Trasch struck the loose ball high and wide.

The Wolves raised their game in the second half and they got their reward when Naldo's header was converted by his compatriot Luiz Gustavo from close range.

Hamburg tried to respond, but their reaction came too late, with their only consolation being that they cannot now be relegated.