Even clash ends goalless

Berlin - A massive crowd of 74,244 at the Olympic stadium in Berlin saw the matchday 20 clash end 0-0 on Saturday afternoon of (06.02.16). The pulsating game was an even affair as third placed Hertha BSC entertained second placed Borussia Dortmund.

Hertha coach Pál Dárdai was forced to make one change to his side which drew 3-3 away to strugglers Werder Bremen last time out, with Jens Hegeler replacing suspended midfielder Per Skjelbred. Dardai’s Borussia counterpart Thomas Tuchel made four changes to the team which beat Ingolstadt 2-0 at home on matchday 19. Former Hertha striker Ramos, Kagawa, Durm and Ginter were replaced by Reus, Castro, Schmelzer and Gündogan.

The game sparked into life from the off with the home side trying to take the game to Dortmund. The first chance of the game however fell to the visitors as Sokratis tested Hertha keeper Rune Jahrstein who was more than up to the challenge (3.). Hertha struckback with a chance of their own moments later as Borussia stopper Bürki easily dealt with an effort from Vladimir Darida after Dortmund had failed to clear his cross properly. The respect for each other was very present. On 21 minutes Salomon Kalou broke down the right and won a corner. Darida found John Anthony Brooks who fired narrowly over the crossbar. Jahrstein was called into action again as Dortmund’s German international central defender Mats Hummels heade towards goal. Once again Jahrstein was on guard to avert the danger (32.). Darida was in the thick of it again later in the half as he went down inside the Dortmund box after being played in by Vedad Ibisevic. He managed to find team mate Kalou whose effort was blocked. The game was goalless at the break.

Pál Dárdai continued to bravely match the visitors after the break. A disciplined defensive display allowed Dortmund to create little or nothing. Around the hour mark the home side had their next chance. This time Hegeler nodded a free kick by Marvin Plattenhardt on to the top of the net. The Berliners then launched a counter attack involving Darida and Kalou, only for Ibisevic to be blocked before he could pull the trigger. The majority of the huge crowd were ready to celebrate a Hertha goal on77 minutes as a fast move involving Haraguchi and Kalou ended as the Ivorian fired agonisingly wide of target. Hertha missed a last minute sitter as Baumjohann broke through the Borussia defence only to be found lacking in front of goal. Moments later the game ended in a 0-0 draw. On reflection about the right result.
 
Dardai and Co. play their next game on Wednesday night (10.02.16, 7.00 PM), as they take on Heidenheim away from home in a DFB Cup quarter final tie.

(rd,kk/City-Press)