Three points after lightening start

Hertha defeated FC Ingolstadt 1-0 on Saturday afternoon thanks to Genki Haraguchi’s opening minute strike.

Line-up

There were three changes to the starting eleven following last week’s 2-1 defeat in Freiburg. Niklas Stark was unavailable through suspension and was replaced by Sebastian Langkamp in the centre of defence. A cold kept Martin Plattenhardt on the sidelines as Maximillian Mittelstädt started in place of him. With Haraguchi starting, Per Skjelbred began on the bench. Vladimir Darids and Fabian Lustenburger started in midfield, with Valentin Stocker in the centre.

Match report

It could not have been a better start for Hertha, who took the lead following the first attack of the game. Kalou did the hard work down the left before setting up Haraguchi who finished from 14 yards. Being ahead meant Pal Dardai’s side could control the game, and had more of the ball despite not be able to break down the resolute Ingolstadt defence. The visitors did not shy away and looked to get forward as much as possible. Hertha however remained alert and chances on goal remained rare in a quiet first half.

Both teams started the second half with more energy and intent. Stocker had the first chance, but the ball did not quiet fall to him from close range, and Ingolstadt keeper Hansen was able to grab the loose ball. Lezcano then had a chance for the visitors from a header, but he could not direct the effort on target. The game became more open in the closing minutes, although neither Hadergjonaj or Leipertz could convert good chances for the away side. As the visitors pressed, it gave Hertha more chances on the break and shortly before the final whistle Alexander Esswein miss a good opportunity to make the game safe – firing just wide from 18 yards.

Overview

After 19 game in the Bundesliga, Hertha lie fourth with 33 points, ahead of two games in the next seven days. First, a round of 16 cup match against Borussia Dortmund, before a trip to Gelsenkirchen to face Schalke next Saturday.

Highlights

First Half

1’: A great start for Hertha as they take the lead after 59 seconds. Kalou’s cut back is turned home by Haraguchi.

27’: Pekarik tries his luck from distance, and hits the target from 30 yards. But it’s an easy for Hansen in the Ingolstadt goal.

30’: Stocker delivers a ball into the box, but Haraguchi can’t get enough of a connection the header.

Second Half

49’: Another great chance, Pekarik cross the ball into the box to Stocker, who can’t quite bring it uner control inside the six yard box and Hansen gathers.

69’: Julian Schieber gets a sight of goal from 18 yards out, but can only fire wide of the post.

85’: Esswein twist and turns inside the box and gets his shot away, only for it to be blocked by and Ingolstadt defender.

86’: The best chance for the visitors following a corner. Jarstein can’t collect and the ball falls to Leipertz, who can’t quite keep his shot on target.

90’: Hertha waste a great chance to seal the game. Esswein and Torunarigha complete a one-two, and the former takes his time on the edge of box before rolling the ball wide of the near post.