Goalfest in inter-squad friendly

Hertha played an inter-squad friendly on Friday morning (07.08.20) after the late cancellation of the friendly match against AS St.-Étienne. The “home” team won comfortably 4-1.

Darida scores to put his side ahead – Two strikes within two minutes

Despite the heat, both sides produced an intense clash. It was the first appearance in Hertha colours for new signings Alexander Schwolow and Deyovaisio Zeefuik, both lining up alongside birthday boy Jordan Torunarigha in the home kit. The “home” team were managed by first-team coach Olaf Janßen, whilst the “away” team received instructions from Eddy Sözer. The match was quietly observed by head coach Bruno Labbadia, who saw hard-fought challenges and shots on goal from both sides. Vladimir Darida (25’) got on the end of a corner to open the scoring for the side wearing home colours. More goals soon followed; Santiago Ascacibar (32’) and Krzysztof Piątek (33’) notching a quick-fire double to extend the lead within 60 seconds of one another. The home side held a 3-0 lead going into the break.

At the start of the second half the “away” team increased the pressure on their opponents and cut the deficit through Dodi Lukébakio, who converted a rebound after 41 minutes to make the score 3-1. Despite the early goal, there was to be no comeback. On the contrary, the three goal lead was restored after Dedryck Boyata brought down Jessic Ngankam in the box, and Piątek (63’) converted the resulting penalty. With this 4-1 victory the home team avenged their 2-1 defeat from last Saturday. “I’m happy we reacted quickly after our friendly got cancelled. It was a good game in perfect conditions and we made the best of the situation. For us it was important to do something a bit different, so that today didn’t just feel like normal training,” said coach Labbadia of the shortened match. As a reward, the coach has given his players the weekend off, and the players need only complete some individual work at home on Saturday.

Hertha BSC (home kit): Schwolow – Zeefuik, Stark, Torunarigha, Plattenhardt – Ascacibar, Darida – Leckie, Duda, Ngankam - Piątek

Hertha BSC (away kit): Jarstein (36’ Körber) – Pekarik (36’ Klünter), Boyata, Rekik, Mittelstädt – Tousart (36’ M. Dárdai), Maier – Lukébakio, Cunha, Dilrosun – Redan 

Goals: 1-0 Darida (25’), 2-0 Ascacibar (32’), 3-0 Piątek (33’), 3-1 Lukébakio (41’), 4-1 Piątek (63’, pen.)

(sj/City-Press)