Schieber's goal not enough

Freiburg – Hertha BSC failed to pick up points on matchday 18, beginning the second half of the Bundesliga season with a 2-1 loss to SC Freiburg. Haberer’s first-half goal saw the hosts take a lead into the break. Hertha dominated the second half in search of the equaliser, but instead Petersen doubled SCF’s advantage. Julian Schieber’s goal in the closing stages of the game ended up being a mere consolation.

Pál Dárdai made one change to his line-up following the 3-1 defeat in Leverkusen last weekend. Salomon Kalou, back from the Africa Cup of Nations, returned to the starting XI on the left wing, replacing Alexander Esswein.

Freiburg, having shown a valiant effort in a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich last weekend, made two changes in their defence, as Söyüncü and Kübler replaced Gulde and Stenzel.

The game was heavily influenced by tactics, as both teams waited for mistakes from the other side. Freiburg stood deep but looked to aggressively attack the ball, while Hertha relied on a structured build-up play and took their time. Both teams looked defensively sound and didn’t allow many opportunities. For the most part, Freiburg were able to contain Hertha’s counterattacking efforts and thus the game largely took place in midfield without any clear chances being created. The first shot on target came after 37 minutes from Per Skjelbred, but his strike from range went inches wide. Freiburg then went up the other end and converted from their first chance, with Haberer’s goal meaning Hertha entered half time a goal behind.

The second half started with Hertha looking more aggressive and proactive. They immediately generated pressure going forward and were now clearly the dominant team. Vladimir Darida missed an opportunity to level the scores, however, with Freiburg keeper Schwolow making a good save after 62 minutes. Esswein and Genki Haraguchi were soon introduced for Stocker and Kalou as the Blue-Whites continued to push for the equaliser. As the match entered the closing stages, substitute Nils Petersen found the back of the net against the run of play, giving Freiburg a two-goal lead with just a few minutes left to play. Substitute Julian Schieber managed to pull one back for Hertha from the next attack, but it was too late for a comeback. 

Hertha sit in sixth place after 18 games and will be keen for Saturday’s meeting with Ingolstadt at the Olympiastadion to come around quickly after starting 2017 with back-to-back away defeats.