Defeat in Stuttgart

Hertha Berlin were defeated in Stuttgart on Saturday (15/12/18) after leading 1-0 at half-time. Mittelstädt put Hertha in front but a Gomez brace ensured a victory for the home team.

Formation

Pál Dárdai had to change his starting XI once again due to injuries. Vladimir Darida and Per Skjelbred came in for Marko Grujić (ankle injury) and Arne Maier (ill) in central midfield. Maxi Mittelstädt came in for the injured Salomon Kalou (foot) on the left. Vedad Ibišević and Davie Selke both spearheaded the attack again.

Match Summary

After a hectic start, the away side slowly began to control and dictate the tempo of the game. The first chance of the game fell to the visitors as Mittelstädt’s effort went over the bar after a good cross from Marvin Plattenhardt. Hertha were in full control, had 60% possession and looked solid in defence. 10 minutes before half-time, after some superb interplay between Selke and Ibišević, the ball fell to Mittelstädt inside the box and he was able to find the back of the net, giving Hertha a deserved lead before half-time.

The second half began in similar fashion to how the first half finished, with Hertha looking solid in defence and keeping possession. Just before the hour mark, Plattenhardt put in a superb cross which found the head of Ibišević but his header was pushed out for a corner by the Stuttgart goalkeeper. Ten minutes later, Stuttgart equalised through Mario Gomez, the veteran striker nipping in between Fabien Lustenberger and Jordan Torunarigha and poking the ball home. This goal changed the game and now the home side looked more confident, and were able to retain more of the ball. Rune Jarstein made a superb save to deny Chadrac Akolo from taking the lead but was unable to stop a header from Gomez go into the back of his net. With the home team now in front, it was up to Hertha to push for an equaliser but they were unable to threaten the goal. One header from Selke nearly found the back of the net but the Stuttgart goalkeeper made a good save to deny him. The game ended 2-1 to Stuttgart.

Conclusion and Outlook

After two victories in a row, Hertha BSC suffered a defeat and are currently sat in 7th place with 23 points. The Berliners will have the opportunity to get back to winning ways on Tuesday (18/12/18, 20:30 CET) as FC Augsburg make a visit to the Olympiastadion.