Hertha Berlin triumphs 9-0 in a test match against Lichtenberg 47 despite missing goalkeeper
On July 5 2026 Hertha Berlin won its second summer friendly, beating fifth‑tier Lichtenberg 47 9:0 (3:0). The result came even though 23‑year‑old goalkeeper Tjark Ernst stayed on the bench, just as he did in the previous test against sixth‑division Frohnauer SC.
Ernst was kept out by the coaching staff, allegedly to avoid injury ahead of a potential million‑euro transfer. Bild reports interest from Celtic Glasgow, Feyenoord Rotterdam, Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfL Wolfsburg, making his fitness a priority for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga campaign.
Alongside Ernst, recovering players Marton Dardai (adductors) and Deyovaisio Zeefuik (thigh) were unavailable. Luca Schuler also sat out with a minor thigh issue. Despite these absences, Hertha’s starting eleven delivered a potent attack.
Hertha pressed early and opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through Eitschberger (1‑0). Lichtenberg equalised in the 41st minute via Steinke, but Sessa saved the resulting miss and goalkeeper Gersbeck struck a 20‑meter counter‑shot for the 2‑0 lead. Just before halftime Hildebrandt, assisted by Todorovic, made it 3‑0 (44′). In the second half Grönning netted in the 69th, 79th and 88th minutes, Todorovic (substituted in) scored in the 87th, Winkler added in the 89th and a Bateman own‑goal (Lichtenberg) sealed the 9‑0 final.
Leitl praised the performance: “I’m very satisfied, especially because we played on heavy legs. The boys keep pushing and want to keep scoring.” He rotated ten fresh legs, with only Gouram staying on the pitch throughout.
Hertha’s next test is scheduled for Saturday against fourth‑tier Lok Leipzig. The club uses these fixtures to gauge form and squad depth ahead of the 2. Bundesliga season, so fans can expect more goals and possible line‑up tweaks.
Hertha Berlin line‑ups
First half: Gersbeck - Eitschberger, Gechter, Diallo, Christensen - Sessa, Gouram - Ndi, Todorovic, Brekalo - Hildebrandt. Second half: Goller - Berner, Klemens, Kolbe, Grothe - Winkler, Telib, Seguin, Thorsteinsson - Gouram, Grönning.
