Hertha beats Union in subdued Berlin derby. MORE:
No fans were allowed into the game, the first in the German league’s second round of games since it resumed last weekend after a two-month break.
Quick-fire goals from Vedad Ibisevic and Dodi Lukebakio early in the second half, followed by more from Matheus Cunha and Dedryck Boyata gave Hertha its second win in two games under new coach Bruno Labbadia and helped ease the pain of losing the first Bundesliga derby between the sides 1-0 in Union’s stadium in November.
There was no fear of a repeat on Friday. Fans had been told to stay away and there seemed little enthusiasm for the game around the city before kickoff. Players were allowed to play only after testing negative for COVID-19, and they were warned to keep their emotions in check. They arrived wearing face masks. Balls were disinfected. Labbadia and counterpart Urs Fischer wore face masks as they conversed, then touched elbows instead of the customary handshake or embrace before the game.
Union goalkeeper Rafa Gikiewicz denied Lukebakio in the game’s first big chance in the 18th minute, then needed some time to recover after getting the ball between his legs.Ibisevic finally broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, beating his marker to head in Marvin Plattenhardt’s cross. The striker warned his teammates to stay away during the celebrations.Cunha sealed the result in the 61st, before Boyata rounded off the scoring in the 77th.
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