Tabaković brace helps secure all three points against Paderborn
Head coach Pál Dárdai made just one change to his starting line-up following last weekend's defeat in Nuremberg. Marten Winkler started on the right wing, with Deyovaisio Zeefuik dropped into defensive midfield and Márton Dárdai filling in at centre-back for Marc Kempf (red-card suspension).
Tabaković returns to the scoresheet
Haris Tabaković linked up with Fabian Reese to open the scoring, poking home a cross in the 11th minute and ending his run of four games without a goal. It was the striker's eighth time finding the back of the net this season.
Kenny on the stroke of half-time
The Blue-Whites would double their advantage in injury time, as Jonjoe Kenny smashed home a shot from just inside the box (45'+2). It was his first competitive goal for Hertha, and saw his side heading into the break deservedly 2-0 up.
3-1 win propels Hertha up the table
Paderborn were able to get back in the game just minutes after the restart, with Florent Muslija slotting the ball past Tjark Ernst (47'). It didn't take long for Tabaković to restore the host's two-goal advantage, artistically flicking another cross from Reese in at the near post (54').
The visitors continued to look for ways back into the game, but were denied time after time by Hertha's backline. The final minutes of the match were a nervy affair for the hosts, however, as they went down to 10 men following a second yellow for captain Toni Leistner (86'). The Old Lady managed to hold on and celebrate their fifth win of the season, having moved up into the top half of the table as a result. Next up, they will travel to face F.C. Hansa Rostock on Sunday afternoon (5/11/23, 13:30 CET).
Haris Tabaković: It was an extremely important win for the entire team, especially after last weekend. We were working well together in attack – a striker's hunger for goals has to be fed! I couldn't do it without my teammates, so I'm very happy that Fabi gave me two great assists. This win really gives us confidence for the upcoming double game week.
Hertha BSC: Ernst – Kenny, Leistner (C), M. Dárdai, Karbownik – Zeefuik (64' Klemens), Bouchalakis – Winkler (65' Scherhant), Reese – Prevljak (54' B. Dárdai) – Tabaković (83' Niederlechner)
SC Paderborn 07: Huth (C) – Schuster (46' Curda), Kinsombi (79' Kruse), Müller, Hoffmeier – Obermaier, Hansen, Muslija (79' Leipertz) – Klaas (63' Grimaldi), Conteh (73' Platte), Bilbija
Goals: 1-0 Tabaković (11'), 2-0 Kenny (45'+3), 2-1 Muslija (47'), 3-1 Tabaković (55')
Referee: Tom Bauer
Yellow cards: Zeefuik, Kenny, Niederlechner - Muslija
Red cards: Leistner
Spectators: 35,832