Lights Out at the Alte Försterei: Hertha BSC and Fortuna Düsseldorf Draw 1-1
Hertha Berlin's Promotion Hopes Dented
Hertha BSC's hopes of returning straight back to the Bundesliga suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fortuna Düsseldorf in a match that was played behind closed doors at the Alte Försterei on Saturday.
Uninspired Hertha BSC Falter
Hertha took the lead early on when Davie Selke headed home a Marvin Plattenhardt cross, but Düsseldorf equalised just before half-time through Kristoffer Peterson.
Hertha had a chance to take the lead again in the second half when they were awarded a penalty, but Selke's spot-kick was saved by Düsseldorf goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier.
Fortuna Düsseldorf Hold Firm
Düsseldorf, who are now unbeaten in their last three games, defended resolutely in the second half and held on for a valuable point.
The draw means that Hertha remain in third place in the 2. Bundesliga, but they are now four points behind leaders Darmstadt 98. Düsseldorf, meanwhile, move up to eighth place.
Reaction
Hertha coach Sandro Schwarz was disappointed with his team's performance.
"We didn't play well enough today," he said. "We made too many mistakes and we didn't create enough chances. We need to be better in our next game."
Düsseldorf coach Daniel Thioune was pleased with his team's performance.
"I'm very happy with a point today," he said. "We played well and we defended well. We're now unbeaten in our last three games and we're moving up the table."
Next Fixtures
Hertha BSC will travel to eighth-placed Magdeburg next Sunday, March 5, while Fortuna Düsseldorf will host Hannover 96, who are fourth, on the same day.
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