Sunday April 4th 2021
Fireworks at the start of the game
Berlin derby degenerates into a foul battle
The city derby between 1. FC Union and Hertha begins with fireworks, after which it is rarely really spectacular. The two Berlin Bundesliga clubs are playing a hard-fought game that is more characterized by tough duels than football that is well worth watching.
Hertha BSC missed the hoped-for liberation in the capital derby in the fight against relegation. At the passionate rival Union Berlin it was enough for the often too harmless team of coach Pal Dardai to only 1-1 (1: 1). As tables-14. Hertha is still stuck in the basement of the Bundesliga, with 25 points now it is only two points ahead of 1. FC Köln on relegation rank 16.
Dodi Lukebakio (35th, penalty kick) equalized the Unioner leadership of former Herthan Robert Andrich (10th) in the first half. While Hertha doesn’t make big leaps down, Union is still within striking distance in the battle for the Europa League. The iron, who at least not lost after two Hertha victories in the derby, are four points behind the fifth Borussia Dortmund (43 points) and, contrary to all expectations, can continue to dream of international business.
Against Hertha, after almost three minutes of continuous fireworks by Union fans outside the An der Alten Försterei stadium, the Köpenickers were the determining force on the lawn. First Max Kruse (7th) failed from a distance due to Hertha’s substitute keeper Alexander Schwolow, who was in goal for Rune Jarstein, who was missing due to a corona infection. Shortly afterwards, Andrich cheered, who had been thrown off the pitch in the 1: 3 defeat in the first leg in December. His direct acceptance from 20 meters jumped from the post into the net.
Hertha seemed shaken by the residue – and almost enabled the hosts to score the second goal. Deyovaisio Zeefuik played Julian Ryerson (12th) the ball unnecessarily in the foot, the Norwegian only hit the crossbar. Petar Musa shot the dust over it. So far, the guests hadn’t achieved anything compelling, Jordan Torunarigha (19th) missed the best opportunity for a long time with a header to the top of the bar – the squad, which was actually of better quality, couldn’t think of enough.
It took an impetuous effort from Union defender Marvin Friedrich against Matteo Guendouzi, who rushed into the penalty area. The French fell, there were penalties, and Lukebakio converted ice cold. In the second round, too, Union set the pace right from the start. Winter newcomer Musa (49th) missed the ball after a few minutes in a promising position, which is why it was no longer. However, Hertha was unable to punish this lack of accuracy by return of post, the Dardai team mostly lacked the plan, and Union carefully addressed the gaps. Especially in the second half, a lot of niggles led to interruptions and often prevented the game from flowing properly.
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