5 points ahead of relegation place 3
©IMAGO
Overshadowed by massive incidents between supporters and the police, Hertha BSC carelessly gave away a victory in the top game of the 2nd Bundesliga. Against leaders FC Schalke 04, the Berliners showed a courageous performance at the start of the second half of the season – but missed numerous good opportunities.
Due to the 0-0 draw, Hertha was unable to significantly reduce the gap to the promotion places. Schalke extended their lead as league leaders to four points, at least until Sunday’s games.
However, there was no great football festive atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium. The active fan scenes of both clubs protested with collective silence against what they saw as a disproportionate deployment of security forces. According to the police, Hertha fans attacked police officers in front of the stadium. An initial assessment: 21 injured police officers and 31 injured Hertha fans, primarily through the use of pepper spray and numerous reports of insults and serious breaches of the peace, as a police spokesman announced.
Hertha announced that there had been an incident between fans and the police in front of the stadium before the game. Details would be checked. On the pitch, the Berliners were the more active team, despite the various infections among important players during the week. Captain Fabian Reese initially sat on the bench. Goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, however, was completely absent and was replaced by Marius Gersbeck.
But the focus was always on his Schalke goalkeeper colleague Loris Karius. Marten Winkler was denied by the goalkeeper from a tight angle in the 7th minute. A little later, Michael Cuisance put a shot over the goal. A few minutes before halftime, it was Winkler again who couldn’t lift the ball over Karius.
Nothing changed in Hertha’s offensive strategy in the second half either. However, there was a lack of overview during some wild scenes in Schalke’s penalty area. The best chance was missed by Luca Schuler, who hit the post after a solo run (67′). Even substitute Reese (80th) couldn’t get past Karius, who saved with a dive.
