Analysis: Good defence & outstanding fans

In today’s analysis, we’re changing the name of this category slightly. „Scene of the Match“ has become „Scene of the Matchday.“ For the simple reason that matchday also encompasses the moments before and after the final whistle. And arguably the most impressive images of the Lilies‘ away game at the Olympic Stadium were captured during the obligatory walk to the fan stand after the game. Around 2,300 Lilies fans awaited their team in the Berlin sunshine to applaud the point they had won in the capital. It was genuine applause, appreciative applause, a moment of mutual recognition. Both fans and team had given their all throughout the entire game, and in the end, both teams were rewarded for their efforts with an away goal.

„I’m really proud of our fans, who made this long journey and supported us not only during the game but also afterward. They deserve great respect,“ said Clemens Riedel, who was at the forefront and interacted with the South Hesse supporters. In recent weeks, Florian Kohfeldt had repeatedly emphasised the „strong bond“ between the team and the Lilien fans, and Saturday afternoon provided further proof. This large community is an important asset for SV 98 in this final phase of the season. And the images from Berlin made it clear: As a unit, these Lilies are well on their way to collecting the remaining points needed to avoid relegation.

Control in the first half: „We were relaxed and patient in possession,“ summarised Jean-Paul Boëtius, looking back on the first period. The Lilies had more than 60 percent possession before the break, and Hertha coach Stefan Leitl also praised SV 98’s „good positional play.“ The South Hesse team demonstrated great ball control, and the attacking line of Killian Corredor, Boëtius, and Philipp Förster repeatedly managed to break into open spaces, making it difficult for the Berlin team to gain access. „A very important part of our defensive play was possession,“ revealed Florian Kohfeldt, who noted that his team’s high quality possession sapped the opponent’s energy for a long period. The head coach was equally satisfied with this aspect of his own game. The power of the attack in the final third left something to be desired, so that the two big chances before half-time came from set pieces.

The defensive work: A cross from Fabian Reese developed into a shot on goal, forcing Marcel Schuhen to make a save. This scene would prove to be Hertha’s only shot of the first half. The only goal conceded came from an unfortunate own goal. „Up until then, we hadn’t conceded anything,“ explained Kohfeldt, who praised his team in particular for „their work off the ball“ in the first 70 minutes. Captain Riedel was also pleased that he and his teammates had allowed only a few dangerous situations, and that Schuhen’s goal only came under threat in the final minutes. Hertha’s xGoals value of 0.5 also illustrates that SV 98 delivered a solid performance at the Olympiastadion.

Lidberg’s striker gene: Isac Lidberg’s opening goal in the 48th minute was a typical tap-in. Hertha keeper Tjark Ernst was unable to hold onto an attempt by Fabian Nürnberger, but the Swedish striker was ready and fired the ball over the line from close range. Certainly not a spectacular goal, but another sign that the Lilies can rely on their number seven. The 26-year-old now has 14 goals this season, and there’s a good chance he’ll add more in the coming weeks.

The equaliser: No shots allowed, and suddenly it’s 1-1. Hertha’s equaliser certainly hadn’t been on the cards. It was all the more bittersweet that it was a Darmstadt player who scored it. Aleksandar Vukotić slid a fierce cross into his own net after 62 minutes. A small consolation: Hertha’s Fabian Reese would have been on hand otherwise and would have most likely scored. The goal visibly boosted the hosts, who began to play with increasing urgency from the 75th minute onwards and almost even scored the winner in stoppage time. „The goal was unfortunate,“ said Jean-Paul Boëtius, before adding: „Of course, you’re always a bit disappointed when you only take a point after taking the lead, but overall, we can be satisfied with our performance.“

The 5th yellow card for Philipp Förster: In the 31st minute, there was some surprise among the Lilies. Andreas Müller fouled Maza from Berlin in a challenge, but referee Timo Gansloweit suddenly showed another player a yellow card. Although Philipp Förster was also close to the challenge, he was by no means the cause of the foul. The yellow card was therefore definitely wrong. What’s particularly bitter is that it was the fifth caution for the creative player, who will now miss the Easter Sunday match against Hannover 96.