Hertha Berlin have advanced to the second round of the DFB-Pokal after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory. The 2. Bundesliga side defeated third-tier 1. FC Saarbrücken 5:3 on penalties following a 1:1 draw after extra time.
Goalkeeper Marius Gersbeck was the hero, saving two spot-kicks. "We are all relieved," Gersbeck said after the match. "Such a close game is very stressful for everyone. It's all the nicer when you come out as the winner." Hertha had taken the lead through Paul Seguin in the 69th minute before Philip Fahrner equalised for Saarbrücken in second-half stoppage time.
In the decisive shootout, Gersbeck showed strong nerves. He saved attempts from Luca Kerber and Lars Brünker. For Berlin, Josip Brekalo, Linus Gechter, Luca Schuler and Fabian Sessa all converted confidently. This success contrasts with last season's cup exit, where Hertha were also eliminated on penalties, then against Freiburg in the quarter-finals. Their current league form shows seven points from the first four matches, placing them sixth in the standings.
Hertha started dominantly in the sold-out Ludwigsparkstadion and created early chances. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, who started in place of the departed Marten Winkler, hit the crossbar in the first half. The Berliners remained the more active team after the break but squandered further clear opportunities. Manager Stefan Leitl received a yellow card during the tense encounter. The statistical superiority was clear, yet the decisive goal proved elusive. An overview of the team's current performance data is available on our stats page.
Progress in the DFB-Pokal is an important psychological boost for Stefan Leitl's team. After the disappointments of recent years, another competition for ambitious goals remains in play. With players like attacking midfielder Fabian Sessa, who has already scored two league goals, Hertha possess the quality for both competitions.
Hertha's next fixture is in the 2. Bundesliga this coming weekend. The team travels to face FC St. Pauli on September 6th.
