Deserved point in Frankfurt!
Deserved point in Frankfurt!
On Saturday afternoon, Hertha BSC earned a point in Frankfurt as the game ended 1-1.
Formation
In comparison to the goalless draw with Hannover 96, head coach Pál Dárdai made three changes to the starting lineup. Fabian Lustenberger came in for the injured Niklas Stark whilst Maximilian Mittelstädt started in central midfield in place of the suspended Marko Grujić. Valentino Lazaro returned to the lineup and replaced Mathew Leckie on the right wing. Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter made four changes to his starting XI as Martin Hinteregger, Jonathan de Guzman, Gelson Fernandes and Ante Rebić came in for Simon Falette, Lucas Torro, Mijat Gaćinović and Gonçalo Paciência.
Match analysis
The game began as rain poured down onto the pitch. Dárdai’s team wanted a compact performance and to try and improve on last week’s result. Salomon Kalou and captain Vedad Ibišević had early opportunities (1’, 4’). Maximilian Mittelstädt put in a good cross from the left flank, which Ibišević controlled well but had his shot blocked. Ibišević also led the press as Hertha looked to put the home side under pressure. In the 20th minute, Ondrej Duda had an effort on goal well saved by Kevin Trapp. Sixty seconds later, Rune Jarstein pulled off a superb save to deny Rebić from taking the lead (21’). After some good work down the right flank between Klünter and Lazaro, Ibišević headed wide the cross from point blank range, to the disappointment of the Hertha fans (28’). Rebić forced Jarstein in to another big save before the half-time whistle was blown.
The second half began with Hertha dominating the game. Per Skjelbred had the first shot of the second half but was unable to get it on target (51’). Five minutes later, Karim Rekik thought he had scored, only for Trapp to pull off a wonderful save. Dárdai’s team were knocking on the door and the lead looked inevitable. However, they were unable to find the goal and ten minutes before the final whistle, Lukas Klünter was sent off after picking up his second yellow of the game. Nevertheless, the ‘Old Lady’ stood firm and in the last minute had the chance to win it but Skjelbred was unable to beat the keeper and so the game ended 0-0.
Conclusion and Outlook
The Blue-Whites are currently on 37 points and sit in eleventh. Hertha will play against VfB Stuttgart at the Olympiastadion next Saturday (04/05/19, 15:30 CEST).