Defeat to Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals

Our coach went with a back-three for the cup quarter-final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Marius Gersbeck was handed a start in goal, his first appearance as a professional at the Olympiastadion after rejoining the club last summer. Florian Niederlechner returned to the side as his ban only applies to the league. Fabian Reese returned to make the bench for the first time in 2024.

FCK strike early on

The visitors took the lead in the opening five minutes courtesy of Jan Elvedi. Tymoteusz Puchacz fired a shot towards goal and that fell to the defender, who shot home past Gersbeck for 1-0.

Hertha’s best chance of the first half came in the 37th minute, however Derry Scherhant’s attempt from the edge of the box was beaten away from goal by Julian Krahl. At the other end, Richmond Tachie found space and fired home for Kaiserslautern’s second (38’).

Reese returns but cannot save Hertha

Hertha improved in the second half, buoyed by Reese’s introduction at the break. He helped set up Tabaković for a great chance, but he was denied by goalkeeper Krahl and then the side-netting (48’).

As the hosts continued to pile on the pressure, a misplaced pass by a Hertha man allowed Filip Kaloč to run in behind and slot it past Gersbeck for 3-0 (72’). Reese got a consolation in the first minute of injury time, however it wasn’t enough and Hertha’s dream of a home final in the DFB-Pokal goes on.

Hertha BSC: Gersbeck – Leistner (C), Kempf, M. Dárdai (46' Reese) – Kenny, Zeefuik (46' Bouchalakis), Barkok, Karbownik – Niederlechner (62' Christensen), Tabaković, Scherhant (62' Prevljak)

1. FC Kaiserslautern: Krahl – Elvedi, Tomiak, Touré – Ronstadt (50' Zimmer), Kaloč, Niehues, Puchacz – Ritter (C) (63' Opoku) – Tachie (63' Stojilkovic), Ache (85' Abiama)

Goals: 0-1 Elvedi (5'), 0-2 Tachie (38'), 0-3 Kaloč (69'), 1-3 Reese (90'+1)

Referee: Dr. Matthias Jöllenbeck

Yellow cards: Tabaković, Barkok – Tachie

Attendance: 74,245