Game overshadowed by protests
Hertha despairs in the top game – Schalke gets a point
Updated on January 17, 2026 – 10:35 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Hertha BSC missed out on a win in the top game of the 2nd Bundesliga. Despite good opportunities, the Berliners were unable to overcome Schalke’s defense.
Hertha BSC and FC Schalke 04 shared the points at the start of the year. In the Berlin Olympic Stadium, the capital club and the “Knappen” drew 0-0 in the top game of the 2nd Bundesliga on Saturday evening. Coach Stefan Leitl’s team had the better chances, but couldn’t make the decisive difference.
The game was overshadowed by massive fan protests. According to reports, there were clashes with the police before the game.
FC Schalke, who kept a clean sheet for the tenth time this season, extended their lead in the table to four points by winning points. Hertha remains in sixth place and misses the opportunity to move closer to the promotion ranks.
A special atmosphere was expected at the prestigious duel in the sold-out Olympic Stadium – but this did not materialize. The Hertha BSC fan association announced shortly before kick-off that the active fan scene would leave the stadium after the start of the game. She cited “massive police violence” before the game as the reason. Hertha BSC confirmed an “incident with the police and our fans in front of the east curve”. FC Schalke 04 also announced on X: “There will be no organized support from the Schalke curve for the time being.”
From a sporting perspective, the hosts had the first good opportunities. Marten Winkler and Michaël Cuisance scored in quick succession, but were each denied by Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius. Overall, the first half had few highlights: the Berliners lacked the final vote, while Schalke rarely came into the penalty area with force.
A similar picture emerged in the second half. Former Schalke player Paul Seguin found Luca Schuler in the penalty area, but his header went straight to Karius. Schuler was unlucky in the second half: twice he appeared completely free in front of the goal, but failed to get the ball there.
