HSV women secure a point in season opener against Freiburg

HSV women opened the 2026 season with a 1-1 draw against SC Freiburg at the Volksparkstadion on Sunday evening, earning a single point after a hard‑fought match that saw both sides finish level despite several chances.

Early goals and lineup changes

Nicole Ojukwu gave the home side the lead in the 63rd minute, restoring the advantage after an earlier setback. Ten minutes later, Nikola Karczewska, playing her first mandatory match for HSV, equalised with a well‑taken strike.

Coach Rodolfo Cardoso made two changes to the starting eleven following a heavy defeat in a recent friendly, replacing Nigar Mirzaliyeva and Jaqueline Dönges with Leila Peneau and Melanie Brunnthaler. Central defender Svea Stoldt returned to the back line while Jonna Wrede took the left‑back role.

Defensive challenges and late chances

HSV’s defence was tested repeatedly; a mis‑directed clearance by Freiburg’s Alina Axtmann allowed 17‑year‑old keeper Anna Reimann to mishandle the ball, leading to a chance for Paulina Bartz that missed the empty net.

Karczewska’s physical presence continued to trouble Freiburg, and she later headed a close‑range opportunity in stoppage time, which she failed to convert.

Freiburg created several chances of their own, including a free‑kick by Ojukwu that struck the post after the defensive wall collapsed, and a late header by Carina Brunold that went over the crossbar.

The match ended without either side capitalising on the remaining opportunities, mirroring the draw that concluded the previous season’s opening fixture for HSV.