Head coach Oliver Glasner made four changes to the team that started in the 2-1 triumph at Bayern Munich two weeks ago. Evan Ndicka and Makoto Hasebe returned in defence after shaking off their knocks, while Jens Petter Hauge and Sam Lammers were also recalled. Stefan Ilsanker, Tuta, Almamy Toure and Rafael Borré, who only returned from international duty on Friday, dropped to the bench.
Early blow
After the euphoria of the victory at Bayern, Eintracht were brought back down to earth early on at Deutsche Bank Park. Out of nothing, Vladimir Darida’s cross from the left got the faintest touch off the head of Marco Richter and floated into the far corner (7’). The early goal lifted the visitors and they almost made it 2-0 in the 18th minute when Krzysztof Piatek’s close-range header was blocked by Kevin Trapp.
The Eagles eventually created their first opening on 25 minutes when Sam Lammers flicked the ball wide of the target from Filip Kostic’s corner. Another Kostic corner caused problems for Hertha minutes later, with Kristijan Jakic’s deflected shot forcing Alexander Schwolow into a smart reflex save. The Berliners remained a threat on the counter, though, and Piatek was presented with another good one-on-one opportunity in the 41st minute after a mix-up in the Eintracht defence, but scuffed it wide.
Paciencia penalty not enough
Glasner made a double substitution at the break, introducing Toure and Daichi Kamada for Timothy Chandler and Jesper Lindström, and his side came out with renewed vigour at the start of the second half. Kostic continued to be the main attacking outlet down the left, teeing up Sow who couldn’t direct his volley on target (52’). Seven minutes later, Ndicka headed over from Jakic’s cross. Just as the Eagles were beginning to build up some pressure, Hertha doubled their lead with their first meaningful attack of the second half. Maximilian Mittelstädt found himself in space on the left and whipped the ball in towards the far post, where substitute Jurgen Ekkelenkamp slotted it in with his first touch of the ball (63’).
The home side kept going, though, and substitute Borré tested Schwolow with an effort from just outside the box (70’). It was fellow substitute Goncalo Paciencia who got the Eagles back into the game, winning and converting a penalty in the 78th minute. However, despite their best efforts, Eintracht couldn’t find an equaliser as their run of 22 home league matches without defeat came to an end.
Summary:
Eintracht’s long unbeaten run at home ended with a narrow loss to Hertha, who were disciplined in defence and effective in attack. The Eagles didn’t create enough chances to get anything from the game and must put this disappointment behind them quickly ahead of a busy week of Europa League and Bundesliga action.
SGE line-up
Trapp – Hinteregger, Hasebe, Ndicka – Chandler (Toure 46’), Sow, Jakic (Paciencia 69’), Chandler – Hauge – Lindström (Kamada 46’), Lammers (Borré 60’)
Goals
0-1 Richter (7’)
0-2 Ekkelenkamp (63’)
1-2 Paciencia (78’ pen)
