A point in Leipzig!
A point in Leipzig!
Formation
“Never change a winning team” was the motto for Bruno Labbadia ahead of the game in Leipzig as he made no changes from the XI who beat Union just 5 days prior. Julian Nagelsmann on the other hand made two changes to his side. Yussuf Poulsen suffered an injury in there game against Mainz and was replaced by Patrik Schick. Tyler Adams also started ahead of Kevin Kampl who picked up an injury in the warm up.
Match Analysis
The Herthaner wasted no time getting themselves into the game in Leipzig, and neither did the home side either. Rune Jarstein was forced into action early, proudicing a great save to deny Konrad Laimer (7’). But it was HErthawho struck first as Marko Grujic prodded home a terrific Marvin Plattenhardt corner (9’). The assister then had to go off due t injury after suffering a slight concussion and was subsequently replaced by Maximilian Mittelstädt. The Berlin boys began to pile on even more pressure, Vladimir Darida had a big chance but struck over the bar (15’). At the other end though, Leipzig got an unlikely equaliser as Lukas Klostermann headed home from a Christopher Nkunku corner to make it 1-1 (24’). Then it wasLeipzig’s turn to apply some pressure, although Labbadia’s side remained firm in defence. And it could have got even better for the capital club but Vedad Ibisevic struck wildly over the bar from close range and Derrick Boyata went close from a corner (34’, 39’). Neither side managed to break through again before the half time whistle and so went in level at the break.
Hertha looked dangerous yet again to start the second half. Dodi Lukebakio and Matheus Cunha were pulling all the strings, and Maximilian Mittelstädt nearly profited but his effort went wide of the mark. Leipzig attested to pen the Herthaner back with a few moves of their own but failed generate any sort of foothold in the game. It got worse for them too after Marcel Halstenberg was sent off for a second bookable offence (63’). Despite going a man down though, Leipzig managed to get themselves ahead in the game as. Patrik Schick strike squirmed through the hands of Rune Jarstein and into the back of the net (68’). Bruno Labbadia reacted instantly to the goal making some attacking changes - Javairo ilrosun and Piatek were brought on straight away, and Arne Maier and Jessic Ngankam were brought on shortly after. The boys from Berlin really started to fire in the closing stages and they got their chance when Ademola Lookman fouled Matheus Cunha in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Piatek seized the opportunity and slotted the ball home with aplomb to make it even once more in the game. Both teams then went at it in the final minutes as they tried to nick a winner, Cunha having the best of the opportunities but could only sting the hands of Leipzig keeper Peter Gulasci. Four minutes of added time came to a close as the Herthaner gained a well-earned point away from home!
Conclusion and Outlook
Hertha now sit-in 10th place on 35 points after sharing the spoils in Leipzig as they remain unbeaten under new manager Bruno Labbadia. That also means the Herthaner are now 7 unbeaten away from home. Saturday sees the team return to the Olympiastadion as they take on FC Augsburg at home (30/05/20, 15:30 CEST).