Overall Report:
Hertha Berlin started the Berlin Derby with far more possession and attacking threat, as Union set up their customary defensive counter-attacking system. The first half so a couple of decent chances for Hertha, most notably when Lukebakio went through on goal, but Gikiewicz was able to keep everything out. Union mainly threatened through set-pieces but couldn’t force Jarstein to do too much.
The second half saw Union pushing a lot more, and Hertha found spaces through the middle, which they thoroughly exploited with two goals in 68 seconds. First, Plattenhardt whipped in a perfect cross for Ibisevic, who headed home. Then, the 35-year-old striker turned provider, as he played Lukebakio through, who went around the Union keeper and made it 2-0.
Soon, Cunha was able to find space on the left, dribble around at the edge of the box, attempt to play a pass which fell back to him, and then slot one into the bottom corner for his fourth goal in four games. Boyata then made it four after a free header from a corner. After that, it was a stroll to the final whistle.
The lack of fans was a shame for Hertha, as they got revenge for the 1-0 loss to their Eastern rivals on Matchday 10 with the second 4-0 derby thrashing in the Bundesliga in a week, following Dortmund’s Revierderby triumph.
Tactics:
Hertha dominated possession, as Union looked to absorb the pressure and threaten on the counter. Union blocked the center of the park, forcing Hertha to play wide in the wings. The West Berliners were able to get their wide attackers and full-backs into the game, but all of their crosses were repelled by a determined Union defence. Union were unable to do much from open play, and relied on set-pieces for their chances.
The second half saw Union pushing a lot more and leaving spaces in the middle, which they were punished for. The second half was utterly dominated by Hertha, who, after finding space in the middle, were able to score for fun.
Match-Ups:
Bülter vs Pekarik – Pekarik was able to contain the Union winger for most parts of the game, as Bülter tried his best to affect the game as much as he could. Pekarik was far more threatening going forward, as Bülter (and Reichel) were not able to stop his tormenting runs. But Bülter was a half-effective outlet for Union, and arguably most influential in their direct attacks.
Andersson vs Hertha Centre-backs – The Hertha Centre-backs, particularly Boyata, were able to contain Andersson. Although the Swede is top of the list for aerial challenges won in the Bundesliga, he was nullified by a determined display by the two centre-backs.
Ratings:
Hertha:
Union:
Rafał Gikiewicz – Made multiple important saves, most notably when he kept Lukebakio out in the first half. You can;t really blame him for the goals. 7.25.
Marvin Friedrich – Was good in the first half, as he contained Ibisevic to his best. But the second half was not remotely good. 5.5.
Florian Hübner – Half-decent in the first half but shambolic in the second. 4.
Michael Parensen – Same as Hübner. 4.
Christopher Trimmel – Worked hard down the right to contain Cunha as best as he could. His set-piece deliveries were on-point and managed to threaten Hertha every time, but he couldn’t get any fruit. Overall it was a decent performance in an otherwise miserable day for Union. 7.25.
Robert Andrich – Was the only one who got any shots for Union from open play, but only through his free-kick and largely nonthreatening long shots. Otherwise he couldn’t do much. Managed to keep Hertha away from the middle in the first half, but not quite in the second. 5.5.
Grischa Prömel – Decent showing in the first half to block Hertha from coming down the middle, but he was completely exposed in the second. 5.
Ken Reichel – Decent display from the 33 year-old in only his second game of the season. Did well to deny Pekarik and Lukebakio too much space on the right flank, but he couldn’t really affect the game. 4.
Marcus Ingvartsen – Was ineffective for the majority of the game. Couldn’t affect the attack and couldn’t stop Plattenhardt from setting up the opener. 3.5.
Marius Bülter – Played decently, but was largely dominated by Pekarik. He was perhaps Union’s biggest threat in direct play, but didn’t do much. 4.5.
Sebastian Andersson – Couldn’t really impact the game with his aerial presence, as he was contained by the Hertha centre-backs. He was dropped against Bayern to make sure that he wasn’t suspended for this game, but I don’t think that decision has proved fruitful in any way. 3.75.
Subs:
Anthony Ujah – Not far more effective than Andersson. 3.5.
Yunus Malli – Largely uninvolved like Ujah. 3.5.
Julian Ryerson Couldn’t do much to stop Dilrosun down the Union left. 4.
Team – After a decent first-half showing, where it seemed that their game-plan of frustrating Hertha, forcing them wide and relying on counters and set-pieces for their chances might work, they were completely and utterly dominated in the second half. Collectively, they have a lot of work to do, and it will all begin in what may even be the start of a relegation battle against Mainz on Wednesday. 4.
What This Means:
I had said before that this game was not just a derby, but it would also decide the fates of these two sides. Hertha are now on the up with two wins and two clean sheets under Bruno Labbadia, and are only 5 points away from the Europa League spots. On the other hand, Union may get sucked into the relegation battle, and their midweek fixture against Mainz will prove crucial. From a payers’ perspective, Vedad Ibisevic continues to turn back the years and put in brilliant performances with goals and assists, as Cunha continues to thrive in this rich vein of form that he has found. Things are starting to look good for Hertha.
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