Nordderby Reignited: Hamburg Hosts Werder Bremen in Crucial Bundesliga Clash

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

This Bundesliga fixture on December 7, 2025, marks the return of one of German football's fiercest and most historic rivalries – the Nordderby. After seven years, Hamburger SV has finally returned to the Bundesliga for the 2025-26 season, bringing their clashes with long-standing rivals Werder Bremen back to Germany's top flight. As a newly promoted side, Hamburg is striving to establish themselves in the competitive Bundesliga, currently sitting 13th in the table with 12 points. Every win is crucial for them, especially against direct rivals like Bremen, to avoid being drawn into the relegation battle. Werder Bremen, meanwhile, are in their fourth consecutive Bundesliga season and are currently 9th with 16 points, aiming to push for European qualification spots. The decades-long fierce rivalry and geographical proximity between the two clubs ensure that this match is more than just a fight for three points; it's a battle for northern supremacy.

Recent Form

Hamburger SV has had a challenging Bundesliga season so far, with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, placing them 13th with 12 points. Their home form has been relatively better (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), but their away form has been very poor, securing only 2 points from 6 matches. Their most recent league victory was a 2-1 win against VfB Stuttgart on November 30. In the DFB Pokal on December 3, Hamburg drew 1-1 with Holstein Kiel but was eliminated after a penalty shootout. Werder Bremen, on the other hand, is in slightly better form, currently 9th in the Bundesliga with 16 points from 4 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. They boast a strong home record (3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) but have struggled more away from home (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses). In their last five Bundesliga matches, Bremen has recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, including a 1-1 draw away at FC Köln on November 29.

Key Players & Injury News

Hamburger SV faces several key injury concerns. Center-back Warmed Omari is sidelined until the new year due to a torn lateral ligament in his ankle. Attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira is also out with a severe knee sprain, though he was also serving a suspension. Experienced forward Yussuf Poulsen is expected to miss this derby following a recent injury setback. Right-back Giorgi Gocholeishvili is also doubtful due to injury. Despite these setbacks, key players like Rayan Philippe are crucial for goalscoring, while Albert Sambi Lokonga, Jean-Luc Dompé, and Ransford Königsdörffer play vital roles in chance creation. Werder Bremen also has a significant injury list. Starting left-back Felix Agu is out for several months with a serious syndesmotic injury, expected to return in February 2026. Other players previously listed as injured in October include Mitchell Weiser, Maximilian Wöber (muscle injury), Olivier Deman (ankle), Niklas Stark (hip problems), and Isaac Schmidt (foot injury). Jens Stage (groin) and Marco Friedl (MCL) are also on the injury list. When fit, Jens Stage is Bremen's top goalscorer, with Samuel Mbangula Tshifunda and Marco Grüll also providing important attacking contributions. Romano Schmid and Yukinari Sugawara are key for assists.