Perfect start to the year!

Hertha BSC beat 1. FC Nürnberg 3-1 (1-1) away, with goals from Ibišević and Duda (2).

Formation

Pál Dárdai made four changes from Hertha’s final game of the Hinrunde. Niklas Stark, Karim Rekik, Marko Grujić and captain Vedad Ibišević returned to the side in the place of Jordan Torunarigha, Vladimír Darida, Mathew Leckie and Maximilian Mittelstädt. Hertha played five at the back, with three in midfield and two strikers.

Match Summary

Hertha began the game with a lot of possession, looking to break down their opposition. Meanwhile, Nürnberg seemed to be waiting for a chance on the counter. However, it was the hosts who had the first chance of the game after a defensive lapse from the Old Lady, but they couldn’t take advantage. Shortly afterwards, Hertha took the lead. There was some great link-up play and a one-two between Davie Selke and Vedad Ibišević that put the latter through on goal. The striker then curled in a beautiful finish. Shortly before half time, the home side were back on level terms after Hertha failed to clear from a corner. The game was level at the break.

It didn’t take long for Hertha to regain the lead in the second half, again with some good link-up play. A clever flick from Ibišević found Duda, and Duda found the back of the net with a great finish. He wasn’t finished there, however, and added his second of the afternoon with a thumping finish after yet more good link-up play around the box. The two-goal cushion meant that the final few minutes of the game weren’t as nervy as they perhaps could have been.

Outlook and Conclusion

Hertha are up to seventh in the table after the win and won their first game of the Rückrunde for the first time since 2010! The Old Lady face Schalke 04 at home this Friday (20:30 CET).