The Lions started without any out-and-out centre-backs, and the hosts eventually managed to get the better of FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Diant Ramaj twice—though he had otherwise put in a strong performance up to that point.
The match will also be remembered for the return of Rodrigo Huescas who was called back into action after a lengthy injury-spell
Yussuf Poulsen was substituted after just under 20 minutes due to leg discomfort, making way for Otto Stange, who was quite prominent for the Germans in the first half.
Shortly after Andreas Cornelius had the chance to set up the returning Rodrigo Huescas for a clear-cut opportunity inside the HSV box, but the striker’s pass was far too imprecise.
Shortly before the halftime whistle, Diant Ramaj pulled off an excellent save to deny an effort from Albert Lokonga, though the play was subsequently ruled offside.
Both teams made changes at the start of the second half; Cornelius and Huescas were given an early rest, while HSV swapped goalkeepers.
In the 50th minute, Ramaj again came to the visitors' rescue by parrying a shot from former Arsenal player Fabio Vieira with his left glove, and also came up with a glorious save after 75 minutes to keep the game scoreless.
But in the end, the FC Copenhagen defense caved in on two occasions as Kofi Amoako and Nicolai Remberg got on the scoreboard.
