No luck in comeback attempt as Hertha fall to defeat in Leipzig
Sandro Schwarz made one change to the eleven who started the draw against Freiburg for the game with RasenBallsport Leipzig, with Marco Richter starting on the left-wing for the first time this season, and Chidera Ejuke dropping to the bench.
Leipzig with early double salvo
Hertha started the game confidently. With not even two minutes on the clock, Marco Richter had a shot from distance which tested Leipzig goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, who pushed it behind for a corner. Leipzig then assumed more possession of the ball, but Hertha defended energetically and didn’t allow any clear-cut chances. The first shot on target from Leipzig came via Christopher Nkunku, whose shot from a tight angle was well-saved by the outstretched foot of Oliver Christensen (23’).
RB found themselves in Hertha’s box only two minutes later, with a through-ball finding Dominik Szoboszlai on the right-hand side, who crossed for Emil Forsberg. The Sweden international managed to guide the ball into the back of the net with his thigh (25’). It was about to get worse for the Blue-Whites, as Szoboszlai’s corner was met by Abdou Diallo who headed towards goal. His effort deflected off both Augustín Rogel and David Raum before, leaving Christensen no chance and putting Leipzig into a 2-0 lead within half an hour (30’). In contrast, the Champions League participants showed themselves to be clinical once again before the end of the half. After André Silva’s shot hit the post it fell into the path of Willi Orban who could hardly miss from a yard out (45’) - a bitter end to the first half for Hertha.
Two goals & a potential point on the cards
After the break, Schwarz changed the shape to a 4-4-2. Stevan Jovetić and Wilfried Kanga, who was subbed on at half time, formed Hertha’s strike partnership. However, the first clear-cut chance of the second half fell to the hosts, with André Silva shooting wide of the right post (50’). The Hertha team did not allow their heads to drop and continued to press Leipzig high up the pitch. This was rewarded when a Kenny pass was blocked by the arm of Diallo and referee Harm Osmers had no hesistation in pointing to the spot. Lukébakio confidently slotted it home (62’). Two minutes later it was the turn of Jovetić to make an impact. Hertha’s number 19 collected the ball after a cross from a freekick by Lukébakio, spun on it brilliantly and fired into the bottom left-hand corner (64’).
Chances, but no reward in the end
The Blue-Whites were finally right back in the game. Chidera Ejuke, fresh having come off the bench, went around Blaswich after a long sprint, but his effort was cleared off the line by Kevin Kampl (81’). A fourth goal for the hosts was ruled out moments later, as Nkunku was fortunately in an offside position (84’).The Blue-Whites put everything into the last period searching for an equaliser. Davie Selke, Lukébakio (86’) as well as Kanga who hit the post (90+4’), were all unable to find the all-important goal. As a result, despite a huge effort from the team, Hertha's run of five game in a row unbeaten came to an end.
Hertha’s next game takes places his coming Sunday (23.10.22, 17:30 CEST). Sandro Schwarz’s side take on Schalke 04 at the Olympiastadion and will be looking to celebrate their first home win of the season.
RB Leipzig: Blaswich – Raum (61' Halstenberg), Diallo, Orban (C), Simakan (61' Henrichs) – Schlager, Haidara (61' Kampl), Forsberg (72' Poulsen), Nkunku, Szoboszlai – Silva (72' Novoa)
Hertha BSC: Christensen – Kenny, Rogel, Kempf, Plattenhardt (C) (45' Mittelstädt) – Šunjić (45' Kanga), Serdar (83'), Tousart – Richter (59' Ejuke), Jovetić, Lukébakio
Goals: 1-0 Forsberg (25'), 2-0 Raum (30'), 3-0 Orban (45'), 3-1 Lukébakio (62'), 3-2 Jovetić (64')
Referee: Harm Osmers
Yellow cards: Kempf - Haidara, Kampl
Attendance: 47,069 (sell-out)