Corona complicates the preparations
But Hertha’s problems began before the game. Korkut was unenviable in finding the right lineup. He had ten failures due to positive corona tests, six of which were only known hours before kick-off.
In the game, however, very little was noticeable. The Berliners played boldly, although Leipzig was able to assert themselves time and time again with individual class. So also in the 20th minute. After a counterattack, Hertha keeper Alexander Schwolow was able to parry Benjamin Henrichs, whose follow-up shot deflected Linus Gechter into his own goal.
Hertha is coming back
But Hertha was not impressed by this setback either, and shortly afterwards Ishak Belfodil had a decent chance with a header (23′). Overall, however, the game on the Berlin side was mainly characterized by fighting, while Leipzig tried to solve the situation with football. After the 0:1, neither of the two approaches was able to prevail.
The second half started with cheers from the home fans. Stevan Jovetic was allowed to march through the center unmolested, took aim from 20 meters and benefited from Josko Gvardiol deflecting the ball with his arm to make it 1-1 (48′). Shortly afterwards, Jovetich even had the chance to take the lead, but fell behind at the end from ten meters and shot over it (50th).
Kempf sees red, Berlin too
However, that was the last positive sign from Hertha. After an emergency brake on Nkunku, Kempf saw the red card (62nd) and initiated the Berlin defeat. Nkunku converted the penalty (64′), and the Frenchman was able to celebrate again three minutes later. After Dani Olmo crossed in, Nkunku only had to slide into the empty goal to make it 3-1 for RB.
From then on, Leipzig controlled the game without any problems – and struck again. Olmo scored the guests’ fourth goal in the margin (74′), Haidara increased it again with a shot from 18 meters (82′). Poulsen set the final point with a fine lob (88th).
Leipzig against Bochum on Sunday
Leipzig has exactly one week break and then the next away game (02/27/2022). It is for the Tedesco-Elf against VfL Bochum. Hertha travels to Freiburg on Saturday.
Source: sho