By Carsten Priefer
How good can defeat feel? Very good!
Hertha and its fans know that now. The club from the capital almost lost 3-0 at RB Leipzig in a madness of 139 seconds with two goals – in the end it was five games without defeat but without a happy ending. Nevertheless, the hearts rise.
Hertha trainer Sandro Schwarz made a declaration of love to his team after the 2: 3, saying: “Unfortunately, there are experiences like this. But in terms of attitude and mentality, I love my boys for what they did today. It’s a bit emotional, but thanks for that anyway.”
Coach Sandro Schwarz took over Hertha in the summer. But his handwriting is already recognizable. Despite the defeat in Leipzig, he is now celebrating with the fans and making a declaration of love to his players Photo: City Press
Hertha hasn’t shown so much morale and fighting spirit for a long time. The table shows that the Berliners are still in the basement. But development under black is upwards. After the final whistle, the team is celebrated by the fans despite bankruptcy.
Goal scorer Dodi Lukebakio: “I’m proud of my team. That gives hope for the next game against Schalke. We have to be angry about the first half. But next time we want to do better. In the dressing room we said to each other at half-time: Now we’ll give it our all!”
Strange that Hertha plays such a weak first half. Sky expert Lothar Matthäus: “Leipzig was in the penalty area three times and scored three times. Curious.”
The 3-0 for Leipzig: Willi Orban pushes a rebound from the post from close range over the line. Herthas Kempf can only watch Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa
Forsberg with the thigh (25th), Diallo with a header, which Rogel deflects (30th) and Orban (45th) actually close the thing with three goals.
Then after half time Black switches to 4-4-2, bringing Kanga for Sunjic and later Ejuke for Richter. And Hertha bangs away. Lukebakio safely converted a hand penalty (62nd), 139 seconds later Jovetic scored the 2: 3 with a volley.
There’s more! But Kanga hits the post (90+4), Selke doesn’t hit either. So close.
Stevan Jovetic scores 2: 3 for Hertha. Leipzig’s Forsberg comes too late Photo: City Press
Nevertheless, Hertha draws courage for the upcoming games in the relegation battle. Defender Marc-Oliver Kempf: “This second half underlines the path we are taking. After the 3-0 defeat, we taught a lot of people a lesson and didn’t get five or six.”
Conclusion Schwarz: “We are annoyed about the result, but you have to pull out the positives. Aggressiveness, defending up front – all of that will soon be rewarded.”