Mehdi magic inspires Hamburg to victory

Persianleague
- Sep 25, 2003
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AFC -  HAMBURG SV coach Kurt Jara singled out Iranian star Mehdi Mahdavikia as the prime reason to why his team could come back from a goal down and a man short to defeat Hansa Rostock 2-1 at home on Sunday.

Hansa striker Martin Max had given the away side a 10th minute lead before Hamburg defender Nico-Jan Hoogma was given his marching orders in the 53rd minute, the hosts effectively bestowed with a tough task to salvage the game given the harsh scenario.

However, with Mahdavikia in inspiring form despite having just returned from a month’s absence through injury, Hamburg began a comeback that could well stir the club up the table.

Bernardo Romeo first grabbed a 69th minute equalizer, setting the scene for a real revival. With just five minutes left on the clock, Bastian Reinhardt scored Hamburg’s second of the day, sending the 44,304 fans at the Volksparkstadion into absolute euphoria.

"Mehdi is irreplaceable on the right, he showed once again how important he is for our team," said Jara.

"Mahdavikia put the fans under his spell from the off. They called his name every time he ran down the wing or crossed a ball. The player himself though was as always modest."
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