West is best as Hertha earn Berlin bragging rights

The match would ordinarily have attracted a sell-out crowd, but safety measures put in place because of the deadly coronavirus have locked out fans from seeing the remainder of the Bundesliga.

It was the first ever Bundesliga meeting between the two at the Olympiastadion, and they were both actually playing in different countries in as far back as 1989, as Union Berlin were from the former East Germany, while Hertha Berlin were from West Germany.

Hertha started slightly better and they had their first shot on target when Lukebakio was played through, but Gikiewicz made a strong save with his legs. 10 minutes later, Gikiewicz was again to the rescue as he saved from Cunha's cheeky backheel. Cunha had another chance just before the break, but the Union Berlin keeper again matched it.

Hertha were looking for a bit more firepower in the second half, and they took the lead 6 minutes after the interval.

Plattenhardt crossed the ball in from the left and Ibisevic rose and headed it in. Ibisevic then turned provider just a matter of seconds later.

Moments after restarting, Union lost the ball. The ball was played to Ibisevic, who played it through to Lukebakio, and the Belgian kept his calm and rounded the keeper to make it 2-0. Hertha put the game to bed less than 10 minutes later as they made it 3-0.

This time the ball was played to Cunha at the edge of the box, and the Brazilian slotted it past the goalkeeper into the net. Hertha put the icing on the cake when they made it 4-0 in the 77th minute.

Plattenhardt assisted again as he swung in the corner, and Boyata headed it home to send Hertha Berlin up to 10th in the league. The stadium may not be open to the fans, but the Hertha faithful will certainly be celebrating that victory tonight.

 

May 22, 2020