Union Berlin made the derby hat-trick perfect and exacerbated Felix Magath’s relegation worries at Hertha BSC. The former Herthaner Genki Haraguchi (31st minute), Grischa Prömel (53rd), Sheraldo Becker (74th) and Sven Michel (85th) shot the superior Iron to 4: 1 (1: 0) victory in the emotional duel in the capital. An own goal by Timo Baumgartl (49th) ensured the interim equalization in front of 74,667 spectators in the Olympic Stadium, which was sold out for the first time since January 2020, and provided a bit of Hertha hope.
After 2-0 in the first leg of the league and 3-2 in the DFB Cup round of 16, it was Union’s third derby win this season and their first Bundesliga win at the Charlottenburg stadium on Saturday evening. The Iron underlined their European Cup ambitions and are still in seventh place. It is also the highest derby victory against Hertha for the Köpenicker.
Hertha could not use the defeats of the competition from Augsburg, Stuttgart and Bielefeld and after the defeat they remain penultimate in the table with 26 points. In the next three weeks, it is precisely these three competitors who are at stake in the fight against relegation.
After a long Corona break, the Hertha Ultras returned to the Olympic Stadium. To kick off, they rolled out a huge banner with Berlin sights on it. Pyrotechnics caused clouds of smoke, firecrackers banged. “Windhorst and Gegenbauer out,” said a large poster about the clinch between investor and president.
Hertha coach Magath surprised with his formation and relied on youth. 18-year-old Julian Eitschberger made his Bundesliga debut as a left-back. As the second teenager, Linus Gechter (18) moved up to sixth place for the injured Niklas Stark. However, his team missed the defensive stability of the last games.
The Köpenicker came directly to good opportunities. Hertha owed it mainly to goalkeeper Marcel Lotka, who replaced Alexander Schwolow, that they did not fall behind early on. The 20-year-old Pole made strong saves several times. Then Sheraldo Becker prevailed on the left wing with a simple body deception. Lotka couldn’t get to his flank, Haraguchi headed in.
Both fan camps burned large amounts of pyrotechnics, here the supporters of Union Berlin.
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Image: Reuters
As in the previous derbies this season, the Irons were clearly superior, but, like last time, they found it difficult to finish. On the other hand, like against Leverkusen, Hertha remained frighteningly harmless for long stretches. Striker Stevan Jovetic also had to be replaced injured in the 21st minute.
The two best chances were missed by Myziane Maolida (38th, 45th), who was used again for the first time since February. The 0-1 at break was flattering. Especially since Christopher Trimmel should have scored with his header from close range in the 42nd minute, again after a cross from the strong Becker.
After the break, the Union fans retaliated by burning pyrotechnics. Magath switched his team, brought on Maximilian Mittelstädt and Marton Dardai for Peter Pekarik and Eitschberger. Shortly after the restart, Lucas Tousart sent Ishak Belfodil, who had come on for Jovetic, into the penalty area, who played the ball into the middle. Baumgartl had to catch the ball in front of the waiting Maolida and put it into his own net.
But just a few minutes later, Union replied. After a cross from Niko Gießelmann, Prömel prevailed against Marc Oliver Kempf and headed in. Nevertheless, Hertha showed itself to be significantly improved afterwards, without creating many clear chances. Becker crowned his performance and made the decision. And it got worse when substitute Michel scored.
