It’s the game of the year in the capital!
On Wednesday (8.45 p.m., Olympic Stadium, live ARD and SKY) Hertha and Union will fight for a place in the round of 16 of the cup.
The signs are still unfamiliar to many Berliners: while Union is again playing for the European Cup places in the league, Hertha (9 points fewer than the Iron) is fighting for consistent performances in the middle.
The Köpenickers already won the league derby in November 2-0. BILD checks whether Union is really the favorite in the cup duel.
► Yes! Because Union have already scored 24 points more than Hertha since they were promoted to the Bundesliga in 2019, scored significantly more goals during this period (Union 122; Hertha 98) and conceded significantly fewer goals (113:140) in the football upper house.
► No! Because Union has never won two derbies in a row. Hertha did that in May (4-0) and December (3-1) 2020 at the Olympic Stadium.
► Yes! When it comes to ex-Union manager Christian Beeck (50): “Because Union is more stable overall in their overall appearance, their overall tactical behavior, their overall aggressive duel behavior. Basically, the club seems much more stable, solid and orderly.
► No! Because Hertha goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow (29) is on form in time, he even received extra praise from coach Tayfun Korkut (47) after the 0-0 win in Wolfsburg: “We had a good goalkeeper today who got a lot out of it.”
► Yes! When it comes to ex-Leverkusen manager Reiner Calmund (73): “Union’s success is not a flash in the pan, they confirm it from game to game. They’re favourites, but my heart has been beating for Hertha for years, so I’m hoping for a 3-2.”
Foto: picture alliance/dpa
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/ex-leverkusen-manager-reiner-calmund-kennt-die-liga-in–und-ausher-sein-herz-schlaegt-fuer -hertha-9253813884bf4c91966b0ad259e43015-78847708/image/1.image.jpg”/> Ex-Leverkusen manager Reiner Calmund knows the league inside and out. His heart beats for HerthaFoto: picture alliance/dpa
► No! Because Hertha coach Korkut can strengthen his position in the club with a win. His contract ends in the summer, so derby victories can be crucial.
► Yes! Because the Köpenickers suddenly have a new goal-getter in Grischa Prömel: two goals in Leverkusen (2-2), winning goal against Hoffenheim (2-1). Coach Urs Fischer (55) is not euphoric, but expects the same rate from Prömel: “That’s a bit what was missing in one or the other game.”
► No! Because the Herthaners are hot for revenge after the derby bankruptcy in the Bundesliga. Vice-captain Niklas Stark (26): “On Wednesday we want to give our fans a present and go one step further.” Sports boss Fredi Bobic (50): “We will do everything to ensure that the boys get over their will on Wednesday. As Hertha, we want to beat Union.
► Yes! Because the pressure on Hertha is greater after two and a half disappointing seasons. If Union is eliminated, the iron fight in the league for Europe remains.
► No! Because Hertha has a cup-winning duo in its own ranks. Sports boss Bobic and cabin boss Boateng won the pot in 2018 with Frankfurt. At Union, only Robin Knoche (29) won the trophy, but did not play in the 2015 final with Wolfsburg.
5 reasons for Union – and 5 for Hertha. It will definitely be exciting!
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