Heavy home defeat against Leipzig

Hertha suffered a big home loss to RB Leipzig on Saturday evening, going down 4-1 in the Olympistadion.

Pal Dardai made two changes to the side which lost in Bremen a week ago. Valentin Stocker and John Brooks returned as Maxi Mittelstädt and Allan Souza took their seats on the bench. Marvin Compper was the only change for Leipzig, as the centre back joined the back four.

The guests took the lead early after Timo Werner gave Rune Jarstein no chance after a header from a cross from the right wing. Hertha responded somewhat but could make an inroad in the final third, often lacking the final ball to create a clear cut chance. Alex Esswein had the best opportunity on the break but his shot was kept out by Peter Gulacsi. Leipzig continued to have the stronger chances and Jarstein had to be alert to keep out Werner just before the whistle blew for half-time.

The visitors were stronger after the restart, and although Jarstein denied Poulsen from close range after a defensive error, the big Dane slipped when attempting a clearance moments later and could do nothing to stop Poulsen setting up Werner for a tap in. Mitchell Weiser brought Hertha to life somewhat in the closing stages but it was not enough to get a clear sight of goal. An own goal from Rani Khedira gave Hertha hope of a miraculous draw but two late goals on the counter attack from David Selke put the final nails in the coffin and secured Champions League football for Leipzig next season.

The guests took the lead early after Timo Werner gave Rune Jarstein no chance after a header from a cross from the right wing. Hertha responded somewhat but could make an inroad in the final third, often lacking the final ball to create a clear cut chance. Alex Esswein had the best opportunity on the break but his shot was kept out by Peter Gulacsi. Leipzig continued to have the stronger chances and Jarstein had to be alert to keep out Werner just before the whistle blew for half-time. +

The visitors were stronger after the restart, and although Jarstein denied Poulsen from close range after a defensive error, the big Dane slipped when attempting a clearance moments later and could do nothing to stop Poulsen setting up Werner for a tap in. Mitchell Weiser brought Hertha to life somewhat in the closing stages but it was not enough to get a clear sight of goal. An own goal from Rani Khedira gave Hertha hope of a miraculous draw but two late goals on the counter attack from David Selke put the final nails in the coffin and secured Champions League football for Leipzig next season.

Hertha remain on 46 points, and stay sixth with two games to go. Pal Dardai’s side travel to already relegated Darmstadt next weekend- a game which Sebastian Langkamp will be suspended for after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Leipzig. Next Saturday’s game will start at 15:30CEST and is a must win if Hertha are to hold on to their hopes Europa League qualification for next season.