Hertha took a big step towards staying in the league when Felix Magath celebrated his 500th anniversary as a Bundesliga coach. The Berliners prevailed in a duel against pursuers VfB Stuttgart on Sunday evening 2-0 (1-0) and increased their lead as table 15. to four points to the Swabians, who are one rank lower.
With his first goal under Jubilar Magath in front of 54,589 spectators, Davie Selke (4th minute) gave Hertha the lead against a direct relegation competitor in succession. Ishak Belfodil (90th + 3rd) made the second victory for Berlin against a relegation rival perfect.
This game could not offer football enjoyment due to the precarious situation of both teams. As in the previous week in the 1-0 win over FC Augsburg, the Berliners impressed with a team spirit that had been sorely missed for a long time and great commitment.
With another success next Saturday at Arminia in Bielefeld, who are six points behind, the Bundesliga could possibly be made perfect if VfB Stuttgart also lost to VfL Wolfsburg at the same time.
The Swabians are only two points ahead of the East Westphalians in relegation rank 16 and have to improve again in the final spurt of the season.
The smoke from the pyrotechnic flares in the Stuttgart fan block hadn’t cleared yet when Hertha got going. Marc Oliver Kempf (3rd), who only moved from Stuttgart to Berlin in the winter, had a chance to head the ball. Selke almost got the ball.
Shortly thereafter, the attacker was correct when Magath’s assist expert Marvin Plattenhardt crossed in. Referee Felix Brych complained about an offside position, but the video images were clear. The goal counted, and Selke and the Hertha fans were free to celebrate after the VAR confirmation.
This time there was no sign of the great dissonance between the Berlin team and critical supporters. Hertha fulfilled the fans’ will. The fight was right. Stuttgart came up with very little.
Hertha goalkeeper Marcel Lotka didn’t have to thwart any serious Stuttgart chances. The Berliners were secure, but were unable to set any decisive accents offensively. Vladimir Darida (35th), who stood in for Marco Richter, who was suspended, was played well by Selke, but did not finish. Lucas Tousart (45+2) only hit the side netting.
In his 500th game as Bundesliga coach, Magath was able to take a seat on the bench in his linen suit in the second half. His assistant Mark Fotheringham took over the coaching – with a lot of enthusiasm.
Like his boss, the Scot then saw a much braver VfB team. Konstantinos Mavropanos (48th) and Chris Führich (57th) came dangerously in front of the Hertha goal. The Berliners survived this difficult phase and from then on successfully resisted the equalizer.
Substitute Belfodil made everything clear in injury time.
