It was a cracking encounter between the two sides, who are ever so close in the table, but Hertha took the lead early in the game through a tap in from Salomon Kalou after a mistake by Mathias Ginter. Dortmund struggled to break down a stubborn defence and went into the break trailing 1-0.
However, ten minutes into the second period, Dortmund were right back into the game, after Shinji Kagawa showed great composure to set Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through, who found the net from a tight angle. The Gabon international came close fifteen minutes later, with his effort missing by inches. But, another mistake from Ginter led to a free-kick and Marvin Plattenhardt made no mistake, curling home the ball into the top-right corner to make it 2-1. Dortmund huffed and puffed, but could not find a way through, ending up on the losing side.
The result meant, Berlin closed down the gap to Dortmund to just three points and manager Thomas Tuchel will not be pleased with the performance from his team. Here is how the Dortmund players fared:
Had no chance of stopping Kalou’s opener early in the first-half. It can be argued that he could have done better to parry Plattenhardt’s free-kick.
Highly erroneous display from the German defender. Ginter gave away the ball to Hertha, leading to the first goal and then conceded the free-kick later from which Plattenhardt scored the winner.
A good outing for the Spaniard, apart from a slip-up where he got beaten in the second half, leading to the crucial free-kick. Got forward on plenty of occasions to catalyse the attack.
The captain played as the left-sided defender in Dortmund’s three-man defence. Shackled him as he is best when given the freedom to romp forward.
His touch seemed to have deserted him on the day. Found himself chasing the game on occasions. However, did contribute with some crucial interceptions and a few darting runs forward.
Did well to create and find spaces in the tight-knit Hertha half. But could not get his team going when needed. A decent outing.
A mediocre display, considering the standards and the expectations he has set at such a young age. Uncharacteristic misplaced passes, tiredness were prominent today. Looks in need of a rest.
Struggled to get himself involved in attack for Dortmund from wide-left. However, did play a role in the only goal for his team.
Displayed what he can do if given a regular run in the side. Slotted in his favoured No.10 position, the Japanese was at his best, with clever movements and incisive passing. Grabbed the assist for Aubameyang’s goal.
Struggled. Caught with the ball at his feet on plenty of occasions. Slowed down the proceedings somewhat for Dortmund. Missed a chance late in the game.
Not the easiest of the nights for the Bundesliga leading goalscorer going up against the excellent John Brooks. However, beat the goalkeeper from a very narrow-angle to get his team back into the game.
Replaced Castro in the 75th minute. Booked for a challenge on Mitchell Weiser. Nothing of note.
Came on for Erik Durm with fifteen minutes to spare. However, struggled to find any kind of space with Hertha tightening up.
Replaced Guerreiro with six minutes left. Made no impact.
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…
Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…
If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…