18:22
The referee is Sven Jablonski, with Norbert Grudzinski and René Rohde supporting on the sidelines. The video images are evaluated by Günter Perl.
18:07
Urs Fischer sees Hertha on the upswing under Magath and expects a tricky task. “Hertha spends a lot and was very compact in the previous games. But they don’t just go for the long and second ball. Hertha always tries crosses over the side because they have a presence in the penalty area,” said the coach iron tight. “It will be a competitive game,” Fischer is certain and hopes that his players will be able to enjoy the first derby in the capital for a long time in front of a full crowd: “Many of us have never experienced a derby like this in front of fans. We’re looking forward to that.”
17:58
Felix Magath was unusually meek in the run-up to the game. “Of course Union are the favourites, there’s no question about that,” said the 68-year-old, but at least went further: “Nevertheless, we have a chance of winning the game.” After his team lost 2-1 in Leverkusen on their debut, Magath now wants to score a first point as the man in charge on the touchline and is primarily counting on the fans: “Finally a full house again, finally a real football atmosphere again . You can only look forward to a game like this. We can only overcome the situation together. I ask the fans for the greatest possible support.”
17:48
On the staff: Hertha coach Felix Magath made five changes and surprised above all with youth player Julian Eitschberger, who was allowed to play in the defensive line from the start. Goalkeeper Marcel Lotka, Linus Gechter, Stevan Jovetić and Myziane Maolida are also in the starting XI. Keepers Alexander Schwolow and Niklas Stark (both injured and not in the squad) as well as Maximilian Mittelstädt, Ishak Belfodil and Suat Serdar (all bench) are out. At Unio there is only one forced change. In the back three, Dominique Heintz replaces Paul Jaeckel, who has been suspended.
17:37
The Berlin Derby is not yet too rich in tradition. Hertha and Union played a total of ten competitive games against each other. After the 2-0 win in the first leg, the Irons are just ahead with four wins and three defeats. Today’s game is important for both teams, above all because of the table situation. As penultimate in the relegation battle, Hertha needs every point just like Union in the race for the European Cup places.
17:30
Hello and welcome to the late Saturday game on match day 29 of the Bundesliga! The capital duel between Hertha and Union takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Berlin Olympic Stadium.