Hamburger SV is on the verge of celebrating its return to the Bundesliga, with the project running a year ahead of schedule. This weekend, in the decisive match against Jahn Regensburg, HSV has its first match ball to secure promotion to the top flight. A win against 15th-placed Regensburg would guarantee a top-two finish. But even without this victory, the Rothosen's promotion is all but certain, with only three games remaining and a seven-point advantage over third-placed Fortuna Düsseldorf.

The return to the Bundesliga is a triumph for Hamburger SV, but it also marks the beginning of hard work. The club has recovered faster than expected and now faces the task of establishing itself in the demanding first division. This requires not only top sporting performance but also strategic planning and financial stability to keep the squad competitive.

Historically, 62.8 points have been enough for direct promotion. Hamburger SV has already accumulated 64 points, surpassing this mark. Second-placed 1. FC Heidenheim still faces Elversberg, who have 56 points, just one less than third-placed Fortuna Düsseldorf. It is therefore only a matter of time – either this weekend or next weekend against their friends in Nürnberg – until Hamburger SV mathematically secures its spot in the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.

Coach Tim Walter and Sporting Director Jonas Boldt have done an excellent job in getting the club back on track. The team, led by captain Sebastian Schonlau, has played an impressive season characterized by fighting spirit and tactical discipline. However, the Bundesliga presents different demands. Opponents are stronger, mistakes are punished more mercilessly, and the pressure is immense.

The challenge of staying in the Bundesliga will be the true test for Hamburger SV. It's about not only leveraging the euphoria of promotion but also creating long-term structures that can sustainably keep the club among the elite of German football. This includes smart transfer decisions, the development of young talents, and consistent performance on the pitch.

The Rothosen fans can look forward to exciting times, but also to a season full of challenges. Promotion is a milestone, but the path to becoming an established Bundesliga club is rocky. Hamburger SV must now prove that they can not only get promoted but also hold their own in the Bundesliga to fulfill the fans' dreams in the long term.

The upcoming season will show whether Hamburger SV possesses the necessary maturity and quality to permanently assert itself in the Bundesliga. It is a project that goes far beyond sporting success and will put the entire organization of the club to the test.