The biggest game in the Bundesliga this weekend was the Berlin Derby. Hertha Berlin played host to Union Berlin at the Olympiastadion. It was the first time since 2019 that the Olympiastadion was at full capacity as both clubs came into the match with contrasting needs and objectives.
Hertha are second from the bottom in the table, but still just one point from safety. While Union are sitting in seventh place four points behind fifth-place Freiburg and chasing a return to European competition.
It was Union who claimed all three points with an emphatic 4-1 victory, completing their third victory over their city rivals this season. The visitors were by far the better side, and it plunges Hertha deeper into trouble at the foot of the Bundesliga table.
In this tactical analysis, we examine the attacking aspect of Union Berlin’s tactics and how they proved too much for Hertha Berlin to contend with.
Line ups
Marcel Lotka retained his place in goal as Alexander Schwolow is still out with a thigh injury. Marco Richter and Dedryck Boyata both returned to the squad following their absence in training all week. But unfortunately for Hertha Niklas Stark and Marvin Plattenhardt both missed the game through injury.
It was good news for Union Berlin as Genki Haraguchi Christopher Trimmel recovered from COVID-19 to make the starting eleven. Niko Gießelmann recovered from his illness in time and Grischa Promel returned to the starting line-up after his suspension. However, after picking up a fifth yellow last week Paul Jaecke misses out. Dominique Heintz returned to the defence after recovering from a muscular injury.
