Hamburger SV staring at Bundesliga relegation

Hamburg's players celebrate after Ivo Ilicevic scored the first goal of his team during the German first division Bundesliga first leg relegation soccer match between Hamburger SV and Karlsruher SC in Hamburg, Germany, Thursday, May 28, 2015. (Joerg Sarbach/AP)

Hamburger SV remains on the verge of Bundesliga relegation after drawing 1-1 with second-division Karlsruher SC in the home leg of their playoff on Thursday.

Rouwen Hennings put the visitors in front in the fourth minute with a powerful shot inside the far post on a counterattack.

After a lacklustre first half and uninspired start to the second, Ivo Ilicevic equalized after playing a one-two with Dennis Diekmeier in the 73rd.

The Croat’s first goal of the season leaves the relegation-promotion playoff finely poised ahead of Monday’s second leg in Karlsruhe.

The playoff pits the third best in the second division against the third worst from the Bundesliga.

Hamburg is the only remaining founding member of the Bundesliga never to be relegated since the league began in 1963.

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