Defeat to end the season

Sami Khedira, playing the final game of a long and illustrious career, led the team out as captain on the final day of the season. Eduard Löwen started alongside the World Champion in midfield – his first start of the season. Three new faces sat among the substitutes: goalkeeper Marcel Lotka plus Jonas Dirkner and Ruwen Werthmüller. Vladimír Darida returned from suspension while Omar Alderete and Javairô missed out for personal reasons.

The wingers were involved early on for Hertha, with Nemanja Radonjić losing his marker in the box and shooting at Philipp Pentke from a tight angle (8’). The hosts then missed two big chances, Sargis Adamyan hitting the side netting (9’) before Ihlas Bebou shot over with just Alexander Schwolow to beat (10’). Marvin Plattenhardt fired wide as a hectic opening period continued (15’). Both teams remained active on the front foot but it was a little while before the next clear opportunity presented itself. Pavel Kadeřábek bothered the side netting again after half an hour but our defence stood firm for the most part. At the other end, our Herthaner took the chance when it came along; Marvin Plattenhardt sent in a fine cross from the left, finding Darida free to head home (43’). Deadlock broken, and Hertha headed into the break with a lead.

Lukébakio replaced Jessic Ngankam to start the second period, while Santiago Ascacíbar came on for Löwen. With his first involvement, the Argentine helped to carve out a great chance. He went on a solo dribble, handing the ball off to Khedira who played it into Darida. The number six, however, could only hit the post this time around (48’). The Kraichgauer went one better immediately after; Adamyan finished off a quick attack with a finish from close-range (49’). Ten minutes later, Mathew Leckie departed to applause from the bench. Daishawn Redan replaced the Australian, whose contract runs out this summer. It was Redan’s seventh appearance of the season. The Dutchman soon tested the ‘keeper with a header but it lacked the power to find its way in (61‘). The TSG shot-stopper was called into action again soon after as Lukèbakio had a go from close in (62’). Márton Dárdai then replaced Niklas Stark in defence (64'). The lads showed that they didn’t just want to continue their unbeaten run; they were playing to claim all three points. The lively Redan shot at Pentke in a one-on-one situation, the ‘keeper sticking out a leg to keep the ball out (71’). Then it was time for Khedira to take his bow. After 15 years and countless titles, the World Champion left the field to a poignant tribute from his colleagues; the Hertha staff and substitutes all wore old Khedira shirts as they lined up to form a guard of honour for the 34-year-old (74’). Jonas Dirkner entered in his place to become the fifth Hertha academy graduate of the season. There was little more action to speak of as the clock wound down but just as the point seemed to be confirmed, Hoffenheim struck. Kramarić fired home a stoppage-time winner to keep the points in Sinsheim (90+1’). With that, the season was over with Hertha BSC finishing in 14th place in the Bundesliga.

TSG Hoffenheim: Pentke – Kadeřábek, Posch, Vogt, Sessegnon (69' John) – Samassekou (63' Rudy), Grillitsch, Skov (63' Rutter), Kramarić, Adamyan – Bebou

Hertha BSC: Schwolow – Pekarík, Boyata, Stark (64' M. Dárdai), Plattenhardt – Leckie (59' Redan), Khedira (75' Dirkner), Löwen (46' Ascacíbar), Darida, Radonjić - Ngankam (46’ Lukèbakio)

Goals: 0-1 Darida (43’), 1-1 Adamyan (49’), 2-1 Kramarić (90‘)

Cards: -

Referee: Frank Willenborg (Osnabrück)