The Hertha fans, who had been singing tirelessly until then, fell silent for a moment. Lasse Günther’s shot landed. The false start of the Bundesliga relegated to the second division was perfect. Coach Pal Dardai’s team lost the first home game of the season on matchday 2 against newly promoted SV Wehen Wiesbaden 0:1 (0:0). In front of 40,075 spectators in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, substitute Günther scored in the second minute of stoppage time for the guests with a shot that bounced off the inside post and into the goal.
“It’s difficult for the boys. Now we’ve lost two games that we don’t have to lose,” said coach Pal Dardai after the game on Sky. He also urged some patience: “The opportunities were there, they have to grow up a bit. If you’re only on the losing side for four years, it’s difficult. You have to swallow the defeat and accept it. Just keep at it, come a few months later the passports.”
The Berliners had 21 shots on goal and hit 22 crosses. But the ultimate consistency and precision were missing. “I think you have to force luck by working hard to get into the situation,” said attacker Fabian Reese. “It’s good that players get into the situation from us. That’s a certain quality. And now we have to work on the quality so that we can do things.”
Hertha tried to be in control from the start, but the game was balanced for a long time. The guests had the first really good chance to take the lead. After a rebound, however, Hyun-Ju Lee was unable to put the ball in the goal (13th minute). The home side’s best opportunity was missed by Fabian Reese after a quick counterattack (24′).
Earlier than expected, Hertha’s new storm hopeful Haris Tabakovic came on for the injured Florian Niederlechner (42′). The 29-year-old was directly in the game and hit the crossbar from close range (56′). Reese (84′) and striker Smail Prevljak (86′), who also came on as a substitute, also missed the possible winning goal. Günther succeeded with his shot at the inside of the post after a corner.
It wasn’t the only annoyance in the West End on Friday. In the stadium there were repeated whistles and banners against the online sports betting provider Crazybuzzer, which was presented as the new main sponsor. On social media, it was also criticized that Hertha President Kay Bernstein had spoken out vehemently against cooperation with betting providers during his election campaign. The 42-year-old explained the move by referring to the club’s precarious financial situation.
Information about the game Table 2. Bundesliga
