1:0! Hertha beat HSV

Berlin - Hertha entertained HSV for their second home game of the season at the Olympic stadium on Saturday evening (24.08.13). After a goalless first half Adrian Ramos scored the winning goal for Hertha after 74 minutes, to give the newly-promoted Bundesliga 2 champs their second home win in as many games.

Dhome boss Jos Luhukay made two changes to the team which was unlucky to only draw at Nürnberg last time out: John Anthony Brooks replaced Janker in defence, while zurück, Nico Schulz played at left back instead of Holland. The visitors also had a changed starting line-up following their matchday 2 home thumping by Hoffenheim (1-5): Zhi-Gin Lam replaced injured Germany full back Jansen while up front sole striker Artjoms Rudnevs replaced Calhanoglu.

HSV have more possession but can't score

It had been a speacial week for both teams, so it was nice for the football to finally take centre stage again. The fans had created amazing choreaographies for the moment the players emerged from the tunnel. A massive crowd of 63,574 attened the game including 10,000 who had made the trip from Hamburg.

The anticipation ahead of the game was huge, and as things got underway it was HSV who were the tougher team in the tackle. The visitors kept things tight at the back and only allowed a single Ramos header and shot for the whole of the first half which ended goalless. Hamburg striker Ajrtoms Rudnevs had two good first half chances but was denied on both occasions by home keeper Kraft. One of those was a one on one situation.

Ramos scores crucial goal

HSV emerged for the second half unchanged, but with a different way of playing. Instead of floating long hopeful balls to their front men, they combined more and looked secure in the process. After an hour Beister and Rudnevs both missed good chances following good approach work from Diekmeier. HSV's problem was dealing with the way the home side switched from defence to attack in a heart beat. Ramos let them off three times in the second half only to finally score on 74 minutes with a well taken goal. The home side protected their lead until the final whislte, to sent the plucky visitors home empty handed. Five minutes from full time HSV skipper Rafael van der Vaart missed the final chance of the game.