Hamburg virtually ensured their place in the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup with their second win in as many games, overwhelming French club Rennes by three goals to nil in Germany. The hosts took an early lead through the influential Rafael van der Vaart before scoring twice late on to leave Pierre Dréossi’s side hanging on in the competition only by a thread. Substitute Choupo-Moting ran clear only three minutes after arriving on the pitch to smack home the second before Zidan completed the rout from the penalty spot.

With only Guerrero missing from their starting eleven Hamburg started with close to their strongest side in the expected 4-2-3-1 formation with Olic replacing the Peruvian forward at the point of the formation. The Croat was in fine form but the player who was truly making his side tick was Dutch captain Rafael van der Vaart, who had a splendid game in the middle of the field, scoring one goal and creating another. Mohamed Zidan was allowed a break on the bench for the majority of this match but, like Choupo-Moting, came off the bench to a great impact, scoring a last minute penalty. Hamburg in general defended well even if they did find it difficult to shackle the lively Jimmy Briand early in the match. The out-of-form forward was the only player to truly test the home defence with Wiltord, Marveaux and Leroy all extremely disappointing. Another player to have a nightmare evening was centre-back Borne, who was standing in for the injured Mensah, gifting Hamburg two goals.

Initially the signs were positive for the French side as Briand set about the home back four in a positive manner, cutting down the left flank to cross for Wiltord, who was the length of a stud away from making contact. Six minutes later the same player was causing havoc however Rost was alert to any danger in his box and quickly swept up. Gradually the home side became more potent as an attacking force with Castelen testing the pace of Hansson in Rennes’ defence. It was an error from Borne that would lead to the first goal however as the young central defender failed to control a long ball forward, his touch taking the ball straight to Olic. The Croat accelerated into the box and, with great unselfishness, tucked a neat pass between the two covering defenders to allow van der Vaart to complete the swift execution with a low left footed finish. The second half was not nearly so entertaining however the home side were always firmly in control, Castelen’s early shot repelled by the foot of Pouplin. It was not until nine minutes from time a second was scored, van der Vaart feeding a neat pass through to Choupo-Moting whose finish left Pouplin helpless. To compound Rennes’ misery Leroy conceded a last minute penalty that was converted emphatically by Zidan.

With six points from a possible six Hamburg are almost assured of a place in the knock-out stages. Rennes, on the other hand, with just one point, are almost certainly out. They need to beat Dimano Zagreb at home and hope that Brann or Basel do not pick up any more points in the rest of their campaign.