Strong Hertha defies Freiburg from a 2:2

From BZ/dpa

Hertha BSC showed a strong game against SC Freiburg, but in the end the Berliners have to be satisfied with a point-sharp draw.

SC Freiburg took the lead in the Bundesliga against the Berlin draw experts – at least for a few hours. With the 2: 2 (1: 1) at Hertha BSC, Freiburg, who have now been unbeaten in seven league games, jumped to the top spot before Union Berlin’s game at VfB Stuttgart on Sunday evening. The lead over the industry giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as the pursuers was increased to two points again after their 2-2 draw.

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (22nd minute) and Kevin Schade (78th) scored the goals in front of 40,481 spectators in the Olympic Stadium for the guests from Breisgau, who after the Corona failure of head coach Christian Streich and his assistant Patrick Baier from Lars Voßler as second temporary coach were looked after.

At Hertha against Freiburg, both teams give nothing

At Hertha against Freiburg, both teams give nothing Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa

Dodi Lukebakio (34th/penalty) and Suat Serdar (61st) scored for Hertha, which drew for the fourth time in a row and, after the fuss about the separation from millionaire investor Lars Windhorst, remained just before the relegation zone with eight points .

Windhorst? – The name of the unloved financier was not even worth a word on a banner for the Hertha fans in the east stand. The turbulence of the past few days should have had no effect. Coach Sandro Schwarz had already postulated that, at least from a sporting point of view. Ball control, security, that’s what both teams had prescribed in the Berlin sunset mood.

The people of Freiburg in particular initially looked at the Berlin ball attachment with solid protection. A counterattack via Lukebakio (13th) was the first excitement. In return, Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen miscalculated when running out against Michael Gregoritsch – without consequences.

It became clear within a few minutes that Freiburg can play football better. Ritsu Doan threw up the Hertha defense several times. Christensen was initially able to parry against Kyereh (21st) which is worth seeing. But a minute later, the attacker shot in nicely freed by Doan to take the lead.

Don’t give up – that’s a virtue that Hertha learned under Schwarz. The reward came quickly. During the next attack over the lively Lukebakio, Christian Günter blocked a shot from Stevan Jovetic with his hand.

Stevan Jovetic puts the ball on goal, Freiburg's Christian Günter has his arm in the way - penalty for Hertha!

Stevan Jovetic puts the ball on goal, Freiburg’s Christian Günter has his arm in the way – penalty for Hertha! Photo: City Press

All Freiburg protests were useless. Penalty was the logical decision of referee Robert Schröder. Lukebakio scored safely. Freiburg’s displeasure left its mark. Hertha continued to press and still had good chances through Jonjoe Kenny (42nd) and Ivan Sunjic (45th + 1).

Dodi Lukebakio scores from the point to make it 1-1 for Hertha against Freiburg

Dodi Lukebakio scores from the point to make it 1-1 for Hertha against Freiburg Photo: City Press

Before the start of the second half, a fitness coach made the Berlin pros fit again on the pitch. That had an effect. Freiburg wasn’t that lively, not that active, maybe just not that fresh after the 2-0 win in the Europa League against FC Nantes on Thursday evening. Serdar hit the corner with a low shot to Hertha’s lead.

But it wasn’t enough for the first home win, because the native of Potsdam Schade shot in to equalize a few minutes after his substitution after a Christensen blunder.

Dodi Lukebakio and Hertha were strong against Freiburg, even though it was only 2-2 in the end

Dodi Lukebakio and Hertha were strong against Freiburg, even though it was only 2-2 in the end Photo: City Press

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