Opposition Check: Hertha BSC

Salvation came through the Berlin Sports Club (BSC), which merged with Hertha BSC. The answer to the question of a new stadium was provided by the BSC: Even before the merger, financially strong BSC members had acquired the site of the former Schebera ice rink south of Behmstraße. On this land, the Gesundbrunnen Stadium – affectionately known as „the Plumpe“ – was built. On February 9, 1924, the time had come: The new Hertha ground was inaugurated with a 1-0 victory against VfB Pankow – and Erich Gülle became the first goalscorer, etching his name into the club’s history. With sporting success and the championships in 1930 and 1931, Hertha BSC grew into a true Berlin powerhouse.

Today, Hertha BSC plays its home matches at the Olympic Stadium. The monumental arena in the west of the city has been the club’s home for decades – a stark contrast to the cramped quarters of the „Plumpe,“ which nevertheless remains a central location for the „Old Lady’s“ identity. Between tradition and modern capital city ambitions: We’ve taken a closer look at Hertha BSC’s current squad in our opponent analysis.

When Hertha BSC takes to the pitch, it almost seems as if an invisible wall rises in front of their goal. Opponents struggle to create chances – and the statistics confirm this impression: With only 18 goals conceded, the Berliners‘ defence is second in the league, with only Schalke (12) more solid. Their defensive strength is also evident in the number of clear-cut chances allowed: Hertha has conceded just 18, with only SC Paderborn (12) more clinical in this category. For the Lilies‘ attack, it will likely be anything but a walk in the park…

A boy sits in front of the television, his eyes fixed on the screen. The engines roar, tyres squeal, and Kimi Räikkönen races around the track. For many, it’s just a Formula 1 race – for Tjark Ernst, it was a moment that awakened more in him than mere amazement. „All I know is that I’ve been a Formula 1 fan since childhood, and Kimi Räikkönen was nicknamed ‚Iceman.‘ Reports often said I was ice-cold. A friend eventually connected that with my passion for Formula 1 and called me ‚Iceman‘ because of it,“ Ernst recounts today with a smile. This nickname, born from his fascination with speed and nerves of steel, would later accompany him on the football pitch – in a completely different way.

Born on March 15, 2003, in Stuttgart, Tjark Ernst grew up in a sports-loving family. His talent for football was evident from an early age: while other children simply kicked a ball around outside, he began to systematically train his technique, reaction speed, and game awareness. His height of 1.93 meters and his strong reflexes quickly made him an outstanding goalkeeper.

His youth career took him from TSG Niederdorfelden and DJK Arminia Bochum to the VfL Bochum youth academy, where he shone in the youth teams. His composure and vision on the pitch – qualities that were already noticeable when watching Formula 1 – helped him to master critical situations with confidence. In the summer of 2022, Ernst moved to Hertha BSC, where he initially trained with the first team and gained match experience with the U23s. His patience paid off, as just under a year later, the young goalkeeper made his debut for the first team against VfL Wolfsburg.

In the Bundesliga and now also in the 2. Bundesliga, Ernst has established himself as a reliable presence in goal. His nickname „Iceman“ describes not only his cool composure in front of the television as a child, but also his ability to remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and organise the defence.

Today, Tjark Ernst not only stands in goal for Hertha BSC, but also embodies patience, discipline, and concentration. With these attributes, the awestruck child in front of the television became a professional footballer. The „Iceman“ has arrived: not on the racetrack, but between the posts.