Entertaining draw
Entertaining draw
In the last home game of 2018, Hertha came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to FC Augsburg on Tuesday evening (18/12).
Formation
Berlin – Pal Dardai continued with a 4-4-2 formation, although he made three changes to the side that lost in Stuttgart. Arne Maier returned after his infection, replacing Vladimir Darida in the centre of midfield. Ondrej Duda also came in for Per Skjelbred, with Peter Pekarik making his first appearance at right-back. Valentino Lazaro and Mathew Leckie both pushed forward as a result, meaning Vedad Ibisevic dropped to the bench. Former Herthaner Julian Schieber was on the Augsburg bench, hoping to come on for fellow striker Alfred Finnbogason.
Match Summary
Hertha started the game well, but suddenly found themselves behind after eight minutes. Martin Hinteregger gave the away side the lead with a powerful header from a corner. Davie Selke almost found the perfect response moments later, but his header was blocked in the six-yard area. Maximilian Mittelstädt had a double chance, failing to test Luthe on either occasion. Just before the half an hour mark though, Hertha finally broke through. Davie Selke broke well and fed Mathew Leckie, who slotted home the equaliser in the 28th minute. The Old Lady then had the momentum and scored again two minutes later. Valentino Lazaro burst through the midfield and saw his shot well saved by Luthe. Ondrej Duda was then on hand to stab home and give Hertha a 2-1 lead. The first half still had more to give and Augsburg got their second goal after 39 minutes – Ja-Cheol Koo taking their second chance of the game clinically to send both teams into the break level.
After the break, things quieted down considerably. Selke had a decent chance in the 54th minute, but couldn’t get a clear shot away. Both teams remained solid at the back, not allowing much space in their respective final thirds. Mittelstädt saw his volley easily saved by Luthe and Ibisevic also tested the away keeper with his header in 84th minute. Despite a strong effort in the later stages by Hertha, the game ended even.
Conclusion and Outlook
The draw tonight has once again proven Hertha’s strengths at home, having only lost one of their last eight home games. The side from the capital now have 24 points and will hope to add to that total in the last game of the year on Saturday in Leverkusen (22/12, 15:30 CET).