Hertha BSC Maintains Unbeaten Run With Win Over Wolfsburg
Hertha BSC solidified its position as the dominant force in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, securing a 2-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg in a match defined by a controversial late moment and the emotional return of former captain Fabian Reese. The win at the Olympiastadion, reported by WELT, extended Hertha’s unbeaten start to the season and stretched their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.
With the triumph, Hertha remains the only team yet to drop points in the league after 11 matches. The Berlin side now leads second-place VfL Wolfsburg. Captain Josip Brekalo praised his team’s resilience after the match, acknowledging that the second half was not their best performance but emphasizing their ability to secure the result.
Red Card Changes Game in 22nd Minute
The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the 22nd minute when Wolfsburg defender Cleiton was issued a red card. The decision came after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, which overturned an initial yellow card. Schiedsprecher Matthias Jöllenbeck determined that Cleiton, as the last man, fouled Hertha striker Sebastian Grönning just outside the penalty area, upgrading the sanction to a sending-off.
Playing with a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the match, Wolfsburg was unable to contain the home team. Hertha capitalized on the man advantage just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Oluwaseun Adewumi scored, capitalizing on a poor clearance attempt from Wolfsburg’s defense. A minute into stoppage time, Deyovaisio Zeefuik made it 2-0, showcasing his relentless work ethic by winning the ball and finishing off a swift attack assisted by Grönning.
Fabian Reese Back in Berlin Faces Boos
The match was charged with emotion due to the return of Fabian Reese to Berlin. The former Hertha captain, who transferred to Wolfsburg in the summer, was loudly booed by the home crowd at every touch of the ball. Reese, unfazed by the reception, almost made an immediate impact, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot in the second minute.
Hertha coach Stefan Leitl employed Zeefuik specifically to counter Reese, a strategy that seemed to unsettle the Wolfsburg attacker early on. The game was initially balanced and fast-paced before Cleiton’s red card shifted the momentum decisively in Hertha’s favor.
Wolfsburg, however, showed fight after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, substitute Kento Shiogai pulled a goal back for the visitors, exploiting a lapse in Hertha’s concentration. Paul Seguin had a chance to level the score moments later but was unable to convert from a good position. Despite the setback, Hertha remained the more dominant team, controlling possession and creating chances, though they were forced to endure a tense final stretch.
Wolfsburg Fury over Late Penalty Decision
The most talked-about moment of the game occurred in the 10th minute of added time. Shiogai broke into the Hertha penalty area and went down after contact with defender Niklas Kolbe. Shiedsprecher Jöllenbeck waved away the appeals for a penalty, and a review by the VAR confirmed the on-field decision. The call was met with fury from the Wolfsburg players and coaching staff.
Wolfsburg captain Maximilian Arnold was vocal in his disapproval, calling the decision a “Frechheit” (outrage). “That’s a penalty. It’s a wrong decision, that’s an outrage,” Arnold stated, according to the match report. Hertha coach Leitl held a contrasting view, firmly believing there was no violation. “No penalty. 100 percent not. There is no active movement from Kolbe,” Leitl said.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Hertha BSC will look to maintain its perfect start when it faces Arminia Bielefeld on the road in its next league fixture. The victory over Wolfsburg shows the team’s strength and consistency as it pushes for a return to the Bundesliga.
For VfL Wolfsburg, the result is a blow to their promotion hopes. The defeat leaves them in a challenging position, and they must regroup quickly. Their next match is at home against Hamburger SV, a crucial encounter as they aim to get their campaign back on track.
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