Hertha Berlin 2-0 Bayern Munich
Everyone expected this Bundesliga duel between Hertha Berlin and Bayern Munich to be a tough one. After all, Bayern uncharacteristically drew in their previous league game. One can blame Niko Kovac’s rotations, but the tight schedule of games forced the Berlin native to shuffle his players and keep them fresh.
The Hertha Berlin vs Bayern Munich betting tips had the league leaders as favourites due to the insane quality of their players. However, they weren’t able to make the most out of their chances as Berlin pulled the rug on them.
Highlights of the game
The match began with Bayern Munich a lot of purpose on the attack. Hertha Berlin had no illusions coming into the game, and they tried to make most of the possession they get from the German giants.
Bayern were eager to erase the bitterness they experienced against Augsburg and tried to leverage the advantage by getting the first goal. The Bayern backline didn’t allow much in the way of Berlin, while their Blue-White counterparts were struggling to contain the prolific league leaders from completing any of their attacks.
The first real threat made by Bayern was made in 14 minutes. James Rodriguez fired a corner that was met by Jerome Boateng. He headed the ball towards the left side of the goal, but the ball went narrowly wide.
It would seem like Bayern would be the first to get on the scoreboard, but they soon found themselves on the back foot when Berlin pulled a fast one on them.
Salomon Kalou headed a powerful cross towards the right post in the 22nd minute, forcing Manuel Neuer to make a stunning save. However, the visitors weren’t able to fully clear the ball. Jerome Boateng then made a poor tackle that forced referee Marco Fritz to point to the penalty spot. Vedad Ibisevic fired the spot kick to the left, opposite the direction Neuer picked.
Bayern knew that they had to score if they want to keep themselves in the game, and they stepped up their game accordingly. Renato Sanches, who is finally starting to impress team-mates with the potential he exhibited in the 2016 Euros, made plays alongside Joshua Kimmich, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. However, the Berlin defence was able to stifle any clear-cut opportunities.
It did seem like the half would end with Berlin taking the one-goal lead, but Ondrej Duda had other plans. Kalou set up Valentino Lazaro inside the penalty box. The Austrian drew the defence to allow the rising Slovak star enough room for a shot. He made the pass, and Duda fired a first-time shot that flew near-post and into the roof of the net.
Kovac knew that ending the game with this scoreline would become huge Bundesliga 2018 news, and he made the adjustments at the half-time break in order to turn the tide and push for a 2-3 comeback.
They almost got the ball rolling when Thiago Alcantara met a 50th-minute corner to fire a fantastic header towards the bottom left corner of the goal. However, the Pal Dardai’s Berlin side was more than ready to handle Bayern’s set pieces and kept the ball out of the goal.
Thomas Muller came in for the struggling Robben, while Serge Gnabry came on for Sanches. The two immediately made their presence known on the attack. Gnabry almost scored himself a goal when got enough space from a corner and kick the ball goalwards. However, Thomas Kraft was able to contain the former Arsenal man’s efforts.
The Bavarians could sense the clock winding down, and they did everything they could to at least start a run and end the game with another draw. Sandro Wagner, Kovac’s final substitution of the day, blasted off the ground to meet another corner attempt to head the ball to the bottom left. Unfortunately for the Bayern fans that made the trip to the capital, Kraft was able to keep the ball out of his goal.
That turned out to be the final chance for Bayern Munich as they weren’t able to do anything even after getting four minutes of additional time. Fritz blew his whistle. The Olympiastadion came to life. Dardai embraced his coaches and players. The Bavarians walked dejectedly off the pitch. The SBOBET Bundesliga 2018 market is rattled.
Bayern Munich lost their first Bundesliga game in humiliating fashion. This is one game Hertha Berlin supporters will not stop yapping about for the rest of the season.
Key statistics
Hertha Berlin have been undefeated in their first four league matches, one of which was a superb game against Wolfsburg. Their triumph over the league leaders is a very important three points in their campaign for European qualification. It also erased the bitter pill they had to swallow against Werder Bremen.
Bayern Munich have no one to blame but themselves. The possession was split 30/70 in their favour, they had 25 shot attempts, and had 14 corner kicks. There were plenty of opportunities for them to snag the victory, but they didn’t come through.
What’s next?
Bayern Munich would have to put their league worries aside and focus on the Champions League as they welcome Ajax to the Allianz Stadium. They will have their shot at redemption against Borussia Monchengladbach on the weekend.
Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin will have an entire week’s rest before they see any footballing action. They have a shot at claiming the top spot of the Bundesliga when they play Mainz next.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
