Hertha finally back to winning ways!

With Santiago Ascacíbar, Krzysztof Piątek and Jhon Córdoba back in the starting line-up, the start wasn’t what those in Berlin had hoped for as László Bénes put the visitors in front with just 109 seconds on the clock. Sami Khedira watched on from the sidelines as the blue-and-whites recovered from the early shock to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Córdoba had the first attempt for the home side (12’) before Ascacíbar missed the target after Maximilian Mittelstädt played the ball in his direction (16’). Hertha grew into the game well and began to win the ball back with quick pressing when Augsburg were in possession. Deyovaisio Zeefuik tested goalkeeper Rafał Gikiewicz after one such turnover (19’). Just two minutes later, the Pole showed good reactions again to save an Ascacíbar shot with his feet (21’). The equaliser refused to go in, however. With five shots on target to Augsburg’s one, as well as around 70% possession, the first half statistics showed that it was Hertha who were clearly on top. There was almost a bitter pill to swallow on the stroke of half-time though, as Niederlechner nodded against the post from Jeffrey Gouweleeuw’s cross (38’). It was Augsburg's first attempt since the goal. Despite a solid showing, Dárdai’s men headed for the dressing room with a deficit to overcome.

Piątek and Lukébakio turn the tide!

Hertha almost had an equaliser straight from kick-off as Córdoba found himself in a good position and forced a decent save from Gikiewicz (46’). Driven on by substitutes Luca Netz and Mattéo Guendouzi, the Old Lady continued to press for the leveller. Piątek shot over after getting on the end of a set piece, and he went one better twelve minutes later. 'Il Pistolero' headed home a dream of a cross from Vladimír Darida to get Hertha back level (62’). Our number 9 had a chance to double his tally soon after, but Felix Uduokhai was able to get a foot in and block the attempt (66’). Dárdai wanted more and bolstered the attack by throwing on Dodi Lukébakio. The Belgian was on the end of a Klünter cross but couldn’t keep it on target (83’). But there was to be a late, late winner, and deservedly so. Pedersen fouled Tousart in the penalty area and Lukébakio stepped up to take responsibility from the spot. He kept his cool to convert, firing Hertha into a 2-1 lead right at the death (89’). With that, Hertha’s winless run came to an end. After four minutes of injury time, the referee blew his whistle and sparked unmuted celebrations from those in blue and white. The delight was clear to see from all those in and around the home team. A well-deserved three points, lads!

Hertha BSC: Jarstein – Klünter, Stark, M. Dárdai – Zeefuik (65' Lukébakio), Tousart (90' Alderete), Ascacíbar (46’ Guendouzi), Mittelstädt (46’ Netz) – Darida (85’ Löwen) – Piątek, Córdoba

FC Augsburg: Gikiewicz – Framberger, Gouweleeuw, Uduokhai, Pedersen – Strobl, R. Khedira – Caliguri, Bénes (74’ Richter), Hahn (90’ Sarenren Bazee) – Niederlechner (84’ Gregoritsch)

Goals: 0-1 Bénes (2’), 1-1 Piątek (62’), 2-1 Lukébakio (89’, pen.)

Yellow cards: Stark, Lukébakio – Hahn, Pedersen, Gouweleeuw

Referee: Florian Badstübner (Windsbach)