Hamburg close to quarter finals

(GSM) – Hamburger SV are close to a spot in the next round of the UEFA Europa League following a 3-1 win over Anderlecht on Thursday.

The Germans scored the opening goal through Joris Mathijsen in the 23rd minute at their own HSH Nordbank Arena, and newcomer Ruud van Nistelrooy made it 2-0 five minutes before the break.

Jonathan Legear pulled one back a few minutes later, allowing the Belgians to start the second half hunting for an equaliser.

But instead, it was Hamburg to score again as David Jarolim made it 3-1 in the 76th minute.

The second leg is scheduled to be played on March 18 in Brussels.