Friendly defeat in Amsterdam

Hertha suffered a 1-0 defeat against the Netherlands’ most successful club on Tuesday evening (25.08.20), in a good test of the team’s current level.

Hertha have lost their second friendly match of the 2020/21 preseason. The team from Berlin lost 1-0 to AFC Ajax in the Dutch capital on Tuesday evening (25.08.20). Ajax, who will participate in the UEFA Champions League during the upcoming season, had already beaten Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel in a friendly earlier during the day. In front of around 6,000 socially distanced spectators at the Johan Cruyff Arena, a competitive friendly developed right from the off. The hosts almost took the lead with the first chance of the game as Edson Álvarez’s header flew just wide of the post (3’). The blue-and-whites then grew into the game little by litte, but were unlucky to concede an early goal. Zakaria Labyad sent a free kick goalwards from just outside the box; the ball took an unfortunate deflection off Krzysztof Piątek, leaving Alexander Schwolow helpless between the sticks (12’).

Following the goal the Dutch side tested the Hertha backline some more. First there was a headed chance for Perr Schuurs following a corner (24’), shortly before a shot from Labyad drew a fine save from Schwolow, who kept the ball out of the net using an outstretched foot (25’). At the other end of the pitch, Hertha’s first chance came for Jessic Ngankam, who saw his shot from the edge of the area saved by veteran goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (26’). Nine minutes later the Old Lady came close to an equaliser as Karim Rekik connected with a corner, only to see his effort miss the goal by a whisker (35’). As the first half neared its end, Bruno Labbadia’s team played with more intent but were unable to pull a goal back. The hosts led 1-0 at the break.

A completely new team for the second half - Redan hits the post

Coach Labbadia rang the changes for the start of the second half, sending out a whole new XI after the interval. The new team showed their desire right from kick off, but the side from Amsterdam continued to look dangerous. Winger Antony hit the ball on the turn but substitute keeper Jarstein made a fingertip save to turn the shot onto the post, before Labyad was unable to put the rebound into the open net (52’). A few minutes later, Labyad’s teammate Álvarez was indeed able to score, but saw his header ruled out for offside (58’). Hertha were not to be disheartened by their opponent’s chances and pressed for an equaliser. Daishawn Redan was quick to react to a cross from the left wing, reaching the ball first but only managing to hit the post (59’). What followed was an open match with both sides trading blows. Hertha were playing with more urgency now, yet it was the hosts who managed to fashion a few good chances. Rune Jarstein showed what he is capable of with a pair of good stops within a very short space of time (68’).

As the clock ran down, both teams seemed to be showing the effects of a grueling preseason. The lads in blue and white were clearly the more comfortable in possession, yet they had no luck unpicking the Ajax defence. The hosts made fewer substitutions than Hertha and looked increasingly tired as a result. Nicolas Tagliafico’s deflected long-range effort, which was tipped over the bar by Jarstein, was the only threatening action of the closing stages (83’), meaning that the score remained unchanged for the remainder of the 90 minutes. Referee Marc Nagtegaal blew his whistle for full-time and the men from Amsterdam were 1-0 winners.

"We all played just one half of football. A match like this is obviously different to a regular training session or an internal match where we play amongst ourselves. Ajax are a top team, we saw that today. It was a good test for us both physically and tactically,” said Niklas Stark after the match’s conclusion. “It was great to be able to play in front of fans again. The coolest thing is being here in Amsterdam, in a stadium like this. It felt like a pretty normal atmosphere, even with the fans socially distancing in the stands. We’ve missed that a lot!” added goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. Labbadia’s men will return to Berlin to continue their preseason training, with another pair of friendlies scheduled for this Saturday against Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven (29.09.20, 15:00 and 17:15 CEST).

Hertha BSC (first half): Schwolow - Zeefuik, Rekik, Stark, Plattenhardt - Tousart, Darida - Lukébakio, Cunha, Ngankam - Piątek

Hertha BSC (second half): Jarstein - Pekarik, Dárdai, Torunarigha, Mittelstädt - Ascacibar, Maier - Leckie, Duda, Dilrosun - Redan

Goals: 1-0 Labyad (12‘)

Referee: Marc Nagtegaal