Hertha Berlin cruise to a 4-0 victory over Union Berlin in the Berlin Derby

Hertha Berlin dominated their rivals, Union Berlin, with ruthlessness in attacking play, composure in midfield, and stability in defence.

The first half of the game, although dominated by the home team, reaped no dividends for them as they struggled to the breakdown the opposition’s defence.  Union Berlin constantly disrupted any rhythm that Hertha attempted to build, with feisty tackles and clear organisation in defence.

The first big chance of the game fell to Lukebakio in the 17^th minute, when Vedad Ibisevic flicked on a goal-kick into the path of the Belgian. His shot, however, was straight at the keeper Rafal Gikiewicz, who made himself big just as Dodi Lukebakio was about to pull the trigger.

Matheus Cunha was Hertha’s brightest player in the first half as he was constantly looking to get on to the ball and create opportunities. He had two great chances, the first one being a flick from close range which was parried away by Gikiewicz after marvellous build-up play on the right-hand side of play. The second one was a sweet shot from the right side of the box, this too though was straight at the keeper.

Union Berlin did not have a single shot on target in the first half,  and their only clear chance was Robert Andrich’s free-kick from 25 yards out, which went just over the crossbar.

After the break, Hertha continued to assert their dominance, and they broke the deadlock in the 51^st minute when Ibisevic headed home after Marvin Plattenhardt whipped in a beautiful cross from the left-hand side.

Union looked to draw level immediately but, their attempt was in vain as their long ball straight from kick-off came to nothing, ultimately giving possession to Ibisevic who slid in a fine through ball to Lukebakio, who rounded the keeper and calmly passed the goal into the back of the net.

Hertha Berlin’s star of the first half, Cunha didn’t take long to get on the scoresheet. Just 9 minutes after Lukebakio made it 2-0, Cunha slotted the ball into the back of the net with a great finesse shot from the edge of the box, meaning he has now scored in each of his last four games in the Bundesliga.

To pile on to Union Berlin’s misery, Dedryck Boyata made it 4-0 from a corner where Union Berlin’s man-marking was all over the place. This is probably what discredited everything Union Berlin did in the first half after all their resilient defending, poor organisation is a silly excuse for conceding a goal.

Hertha Berlin now climb one position in the table as they find themselves tenth. Whereas, Union Berlin who sit 12^th, have played at least one game more than the four immediate teams below them leaving them vulnerable to moving lower down the table.

Lineups

Hertha Berlin: Jargstein, Pekarik, Boyata, Jordan, Marvin, Darida (Maier 80’), Grujic, Skjelbred (Samardzic 81’), Cunha (Mittelstadt 66’), Lukebakio (Dilrosun 75’), Ibisevic (Piatek 75’).

Union Berlin: Gikiewicz, Friedrich, Hübner, Parensen, Trimmel, Andrich (Kroos 72’), Prömel, Reichel (Ryerson 63’), Ingvartsen (Ujah 57’), Andersson (Polter 72’), Bülter (Malli 63’).