United States international Bobby Wood said Hamburg had "luck on our side" after his 80th-minute strike sealed a 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday.
Hamburg trailed 1-0 when Andreas Christensen scored before, having had two goals disallowed for offside, they levelled through Filip Kostic.
And with 10 minutes remaining they took the points as Wood finished a great move to step up the fight to avoid a third relegation playoff in four years.
"We fought really well and had luck on our side," he told reporters after the match.
"I scored with my instinct. I had the feeling that some player might tackle me and I made the sidestep."
Hamburg remain 16th in the Bundesliga but are behind Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen only on goal difference.
"We need to maintain this team mentality, and we'll win our points," Wood added.
"Every player is doing a really good job right now. It's fun to play together. I feel good, and feel the trust of my teammates."