Hertha, Hoffenheim Win in Bundesliga’s Opening Round
BERLIN (Reuters) - Hertha Berlin recovered from their first round German Cup exit to crush Werder Bremen 4-1, while Hoffenheim overpowered a resilient Cologne side 3-2 thanks to Andrej Kramaric’s last-gasp goal in the opening round of the 2020/21 Bundesliga .
Hertha took the initiative from the kick-off whereas Bremen focused on their defence.
Despite their dominance, Hertha needed 19 minutes to create the first clear-cut opportunity as Krzysztof Piatek’s header rattled the crossbar.
Bremen needed 30 minutes to gain a foothold into the game as Joshua Sargent tested Alexander Scholow with a long-range effort.
Hertha opened the scoring as Peter Pekarik had time and space to nod home Maximilian Mittelstadt’s pinpoint cross in the 42nd minute.
Maximilian Eggestein’s moment of madness allowed Vladimir Darida to pass into the path of Dodi Lukebakio, who finished off a fast break after beating Jiri Pavlenka from the edge of the box in the dying seconds of the first half.
Hertha took the initiative from the kick-off whereas Bremen focused on their defence.
Despite their dominance, Hertha needed 19 minutes to create the first clear-cut opportunity as Krzysztof Piatek’s header rattled the crossbar.
Bremen needed 30 minutes to gain a foothold into the game as Joshua Sargent tested Alexander Scholow with a long-range effort.
Hertha opened the scoring as Peter Pekarik had time and space to nod home Maximilian Mittelstadt’s pinpoint cross in the 42nd minute.
Maximilian Eggestein’s moment of madness allowed Vladimir Darida to pass into the path of Dodi Lukebakio, who finished off a fast break after beating Jiri Pavlenka from the edge of the box in the dying seconds of the first half.