Hertha BSC 3 FC Ingolstadt 04 1
(Rafael, Domovchiyski,Ramos)
After the latest, now familiar humbling in the cup to lower league opposition, Hertha returned back to winning ways at home to the division’s strugglers from Ingolstadt.
Last weeks victory at home to fellow promotion hopefuls Greuther Fürth was, according to the commentator on Sky TV ‘ a professional performance and a deserved victory’; Well thats what I interpreted it to mean anyway as I headed down to my Stammkneipe instead of heading to the Oly to watch it. Yes I know, I am a season ticket holder, but a combination of last weeks over-indulgance in my homeland and watching a painstaking home defeat at my beloved Preston North End made the decison not to sit in a stadium on a cold Friday evening a no brainer…
The hosts made 2 changes from the previous game, Rafael’s brother Ronny making his first start and youngster Neuenmann replacing injured captian Mijitovic. Keen to wipe away the disappointment of the cup exit, Hertha made a bright start to the game and on 17 minutes took the lead; Kobiashvilli played a delightful pass through to Rafael who hit an unstoppable drive past visiting ‘keeper Kirschstein. Further chances through the impressive Ramos and Rafael failed to increase the host’s lead , and even a gift of an equaliser midway through the first half didnt slake the hosts thirst for victory. Shortly after the break, top scorer Domovchiyski gave Hertha a deserved lead, and by the time Ramos headed home from a Rafael corner on 79 minutes the game was as good as dead. Ramos had further chances to increase Hertha’s lead, notably a lovely curling shot that the visiting ‘keeper tipped around the post.
So, another 3 points for the league leaders and another team jig in front of the Ostkurve; Can anyone beat Hertha at home? we’ll just have to wait and see…
guenther's Blog 
Leave a comment