RB Leipzig are back in the Bundesliga Champions League places after the Saxony-based side ripped through ten-man Hertha Berlin in the German capital, where Christopher Nkunku (2), Benjamin Henrichs, Dani Olmo, Amadou Haidara and Yussuf Poulsen all found the target for the frantic guests.
Hertha Berlin 1-6 RB Leipzig
Goals: 0-1 Henrys 20′, 1-1 Jovetic 48′, 1-2 Nkunku (pen.) 64′, 1-3 Nkunku 67′ (assist: Olmo), 1-4 Olmo 74′, 1-5 Haidara 81′ (assist: Adams), 1-6 Poulsen 88′ (assist: Olmo)
A look at the pre-match form guide suggested that Leipzig would dominate their capital opponents. With four wins from their last five top-flight matches, Domenico Tedesco’s side looked set to reestablish a place in the top four in the Bundesliga. Hertha, on the other hand, had not won any of their six competitive outings since the start of the year and found themselves in the relegation zone as a result. And that’s how the visiting team took the game against their hosts. As a precursor to the game’s first goal, Nordi Mukiele launched an effort away from the far post. During one of several subsequent attacks on the outside, Poulsen brilliantly threatened into the area and picked out Henrichs. The full-back’s initial shot was deflected straight at him by goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. Henrichs’ follow-up attempt had a better result, finding its way against Linus Gechter to put Leipzig ahead. Schwolow then salvaged a free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai to keep Hertha decent, while at the other end Marco Richter kicked in a header to cheer on the home fans.
Ahead of the match, Hertha coach Tayfun Korkut called on his team to be “brave” and “play on the toes” against Die Roten Bullen. If this message did not reach his players in the first half, it certainly had the desired effect at the start of the second. The Old Lady’s top scorer with six goals this season, Stevan Jovetic led the way for his teammates, collecting the ball in his own half before setting off on a run that ended with a shot that ended flew via a deviation from Josko Gvardiol. The equalizer sparked a mini-show from Jovetic, with the Montenegrin taking center stage and almost putting his side in front with some effort that made the previously dominating Leipzig cringe. Those fears would soon be allayed, however, after Nkunku was awarded a penalty which saw Marc Oliver Kempf sent off. The French striker quietly converted his 12th goal of this Bundesliga season on the spot. He added another from close range soon after, completing a fine move from Leipzig to bring daylight between the teams. Schwolow then did his best to deny a fourth with a shot save from Andre Silva, but Dani Olmo was there with the follow up to put Hertha to the sword. Haidara’s superb strike and Poulsen’s cheeky late chip only added to the visitors’ festivities.
Match statistics
- This is Leipzig’s biggest away win in the Bundesliga.
- Nkunku can count three braces among his 13 goals in the top flight this season.
- Henrichs’ two goals this season have both come from coach Domenico Tedesco.
- Hertha have scored at least once in their 12 home games in the Bundesliga this season.
- The Berliners have now lost all six of their home games against Leipzig.
- Leipzig have recorded more wins (ten) and scored more goals (45) against Hertha than any other Bundesliga club they have faced.
look: Olmo: “We hope Nkunku can stay at this level”
Alignments
Herta: Schwolow – Pekarik (c), Gechter, Kempf, Bjorkan – Richter (Selke 76′), Tousart, Ascacibar – Darida – Belfodil (Kade 76′), Jovetic (Maolida 70′)
Unused subtitles: Lotka, Myziane, Rocker, Albrecht, Atemona
Outside: Boateng (not included), Boyata (ankle), Christensen (thigh), Dardai (ankle), Ekkelenkamp (not included), Jarstein (knee), Körber (knee), MIttelstädt (not included), Plattenhardt (not included), Serdar (not included), Stark (not included)
Coach: Tayfun Korkut
Leipzig: Gulacsi (c) – Simakan (Klostermann 46′), Orban, Gvardiol – Mukiele, Haidara, Henrichs (Adams 80′), Forsberg (Laimer 60′) – Nkunku (Silva 70′), Szoboszlai (Olmo 60) – Poulsen
Unused subtitles: Tschauner, Martinez, Novoa
Outside: Angelino (cold), Halstenberg (knee)
Coach: Dominique Tedesco
look: Poulsen: “If we continue like this, we will score a lot more points”
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