23rd matchday
Berlin (AP) – Hertha manager Fredi Bobic followed the last minutes of the debacle with a petrified expression, coach Tayfun Korkut stood stunned in the coaching zone. For Berliners, the need is getting bigger: Corona outbreak, red card and a hearty home bankruptcy.
At the end of the 23rd match day, the Berliners lost 1: 6 (0: 1) to Champions League aspirant RB Leipzig in the Olympic Stadium despite great commitment and a lot of passion. It was the biggest home defeat for the Berliners this season.
“We are brutally disappointed. The result is amazing. If you look at the game, we saw two different games. Up to 2-1 and after 2-1,” said Bobic at DAZN, adding with a view to the many Corona -Cases added: “We weren’t far from having to file a motion not to play the game.” But you won’t complain, said Bobic, who had words of praise for coach Korkut: “He does it the way you imagine it in the situation. Zero action, a very clear plan. He doesn’t complain when players are out.”
Nkunku with double pack
In a long-fought game in front of 10,000 fans, Benjamin Henrichs gave Leipzig the lead in the 20th minute with a deflected shot, Stevan Jovetic (48th) equalized after the break. Then Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku struck with a three-minute brace (64th, penalty kick and 67th) against Hertha, who were now outnumbered. Marc-Oliver Kempf saw the red card (62′). Dani Olmo (74′), Amadou Haidara (82′) and Yussuf Poulsen (88′) boosted the result and caused great disappointment among Hertha fans.
“I can understand the frustration. It was a very bitter course. It’s difficult to find words. 1:6 is much too high. We were in a good position. It’s extremely bitter that we leave the pitch like this,” said Berlin’s Marco Richter and added: “We give the game completely out of hand after the red card. Then we let ourselves be shot, which shouldn’t happen.” Leipzig coach Tedesco also found the result too high: “I didn’t experience the game as easily as it looked.”
Coach Tayfun Korkut’s team, weakened by another six corona cases, is still waiting for its first win this year and is only one place and one point ahead of the relegation rank. The guests from Leipzig maintained fourth place in the table with their sixth win against Hertha in the Olympic Stadium in their sixth duel. For a long time, however, he did not shine in the capital against a Hertha team that was initially concerned with securing goals.
Corona outbreak at Hertha
Korkut had to reorganize his defense again due to his personnel shortage, Hertha played with the eighth different central defender pair in a back four this season. And the players in front of them also initially withdrew a long way so as not to let Leipzig play their fast game when they won the ball. What can happen when the ball starts rolling at Leipzig became apparent in the ninth minute. But Nordi Mukiele aimed too imprecisely. He was one of seven new players in RB’s starting line-up compared to the 2-2 Real Sociedad 72 hours earlier.
Just like Poulsen, who a little later in the Berlin penalty area attracted several Herthan players and then hung up on Henrichs, who had also joined the team. The three-time national player was able to pull away fairly easily, goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow cleared with his legs, but let the ball bounce off in such a way that Henrichs – still quite free – could try again. Deflected by Linus Gechter, the ball landed in the goal.
Fight with the emergency brake
However, the goal did not serve to spark the spectacle, even if Leipzig had other opportunities. Fouls also interrupted the somewhat sluggish flow of the game. The Hertha team, who in addition to a total of eight corona cases among their professionals, obviously also have a further seven in the supervisory staff to complain about, also came dangerously in front of the Leipzig goal here and there. A header from Ishak Belfodil went past, Jovetic failed with a free kick to RB keeper Peter Gulacsi (36th), Richter headed over it.
Jovetic did better shortly after the break after Korkut had given final instructions in the cabin aisle. Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara lost the ball in midfield and Jovetic started practically from his own half. Nobody attacked, Jovetic pulled and the shot was deflected by Josko Gvardiol. And now Hertha pressed, especially Jovetic caused danger and just missed the lead (54th). Nkunku managed to do this from the penalty spot after a clear foul by Kempf on Nkunku himself in the penalty area. Shortly thereafter, the accurate Frenchman sealed his twelfth defeat of the season before Olmo and Haidara were also able to celebrate.