From the BZ editorial team
Before the two Sunday games, Hertha was in relegation rank 16, three points behind the first non-relegation zone. Then the Berliners had to watch helplessly as the situation worsened.
Bottom of the table VfB Stuttgart won 3:2 in Bochum and overtook Hertha. And thanks to Hoffenheim’s three against Schalke, the distance for the Berliners to the saving shore is already four points.
Curious: If Schalke had won, the Berliners would even be last – but only two points behind 15th place…
“Endgame? this is one”
Now on Friday (8.30 p.m.) there will be a real final in the relegation battle. Since the troupe of trainers Sandro Black to Schalke. They also know that almost everything is at stake: “I never really said it, but I think on Friday – that’s one,” said S04-Keeper Ralph Ferryman.
Hertha won the first leg against Schalke 2-1. Here Dodi Lukebakio (l) and Wilfried Kanga (r) Photo: picture alliance/dpa
Ironically, at Schalke, with their unloved archrival, Hertha must win if the situation is not to become hopeless.
And like last match day, Hertha then sits on the couch and has to look at the results of the competition. And hope for support from Köpenick, of all things. The Irons play against Bochum on Sunday – a win for the guests could, in the worst case, increase Hertha’s gap to seven points in non-relegation place 15.
With six games left, the only hope left was the renewed relegation rank. That’s why a win at Schalke would be so important. Kevin-Prince Boateng (36) knows that too: “There will be more wrangling, maybe there will be a red card. This is relegation battle. “