Greuther Fuerth held goalless in Bundesliga play-offs

Berlin, May 16 (IANS) Second division side Greuther Fuerth put in a dominant performance but failed to utilise their chances against Hamburg following a goalless draw in the first leg of the Bundesliga relegation play-offs.

Hamburg have just one game left to avoid their first ever relegation into the second division, while Fuerth need a win in the second leg to wrap up the last place in the 2014-2015 Bundesliga, reports Xinhua.

In a fast-paced encounter Thursday, the visitors dominated the game for most of the time against hapless Hamburg. The hosts turned up at the second half but were unable to score a goal on home soil.

Fuerth's fast breaks posed a threat for Hamburg's defence yet they failed to overcome goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobny. Only Fuerth's Illir Azemi came close twice while Hakan Calhanoglu unleashed two long-range efforts for the hosts in the first half.

With the result Fuerth will need a win while Hamburg would ensure their stay in the topflight with a draw in the second leg Sunday.

"We had staged a good performance and had scoring opportunities. With that said we have to exploit our chances next time," Fuerth's coach Frank Kramer said.

"We took too long to establish our rhythm. We have to recover and to analyse the game to be prepared for Sunday," Hamburg's coach Mirko Slomka said.