Narrow defeat against the Belgian champions

Just a day after the 2-1 win against RWD Molenbeek and Hertha took on another friendly opponent from the Jupiler Pro League, this time in the shape of Royal Antwerp. There were two changes to the starting XI for the clash with the Belgian champions, coached by former Bundesliga head coach Mark van Bommel, with Oliver Christensen replacing Tjark Ernst in goal, and Julian Eitschberger starting at right-back in place of Deyovaisio Zeefuik.

Lots of chances for the Blue-Whites in the first half, but no goals

Hertha created a lot of pressure at the start of the game. First, Marco Richter shot on the turn and narrowly missed (3’), before Marten Winkler got away from the Antwerp defence but then went on to shoot wide (5’). Van Bommel’s side then had their first chance, with Alhassan Yussuf shooting too high of the goal when well-placed (17’). After a drinks break, Hertha raised the tempo once again. Florian Niederlechner shot straight at Jean Butez in the Antwerp goal (28’). Moments later, Hertha’s number 7 played in Winkler, whose header was narrowly over the target (31’). Shortly before half time, Fabian Resse ventured into the penalty area once again, but Antwep managed to clear, meaning both teams went in goalless (42’).

Antwerp pile on the pressure after the break – Uremović goes injured

Tjark Ernst, Filip Uremović and Derry Scherhant came on for Christensen, Toni Leistner and Niederlechner at half time. The Belgian champions began with more energy after the break. Marc Kempf blocked the ball out for a corner following a quick counter (51’). This set-piece led to the opening goal of the game, with the ball falling kindly to substitute Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who found the back of the net (52’). Antwerp’s number 10 narrowly missed a chance to double the lead moments later, before Jacob Ondrejka hit the crossbar from range (56’, 58’). Head coach Pál Dárdai made seven further changes after an hour, including Bence Dárdai, who took a freekick into the box which had to be parried away by Butez (66’). Shortly afterwards, Uremović had to go off injured (69‘). Antwerp had the best of the play just before the close as well, with Ernst forced into two good saves to keep the score at just one (82’, 86’). The game ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Blue-Whites. The next game of Hertha’s pre-season schedule is on Friday (21.07.23, 18:00 CEST) against Standard Liège in Liège.

Hertha BSC: Christensen (46' Ernst) – Eitschberger, Leistner (46' Uremović/69' Klemens), Kempf (60' Gechter), Dudziak (60' Pekarík) – M. Dárdai (60' Kesik), Klemens (60' Stange) – Winkler (60' Zeefuik), Richter (C) (60' B. Dárdai), Reese (60' Kenny) – Niederlechner (46' Scherhant)

Goal: 1-0 Balikwisha (52')

Referee: Gishamer

Yellow card: De Laet