But that’s a huge burden!
Anthony Modeste (34) scores his first goal for Dortmund in the third game. Heads BVB to a 1-0 win at Hertha.
32. Minute: Throw-in Öczan, who gets the ball back from Wolf. Özcan crosses from the right, in the middle Modeste heads beautifully into the far corner. 1-0 for BVB!
The striker cheers wildly after his goal! For the first time, Modeste shows his famous glasses jubilation in the black and yellow jersey and lets out a primal scream. The striker runs straight to coach Edin Terzic (39) and hugs the coach. A salvation!
The Hertha fans in the Olympic Stadium are silent for the time being. In general, there is an unusual observation for Hertha home games in the game. “Only” 62,342 spectators want to see the encounter live. There were fewer in a competitive game against BVB more than twelve years ago! In March 2010, 60,400 spectators watched the 0-0. One reason for the fan puzzle is possibly the weak start to the season with a cup defeat against second division Braunschweig and zero wins from the first three games before Dortmund.
It’s not going any better this time either – because of BVB striker Modeste! After two mediocre appearances in the 3-1 draw in Freiburg and the 2-3 win against Bremen (only twelve ball contacts), the substitute striker for Sebastien Haller (28, testicular cancer) was already under pressure. Terzic, who had campaigned for the transfer, nevertheless puts his trust in Modeste (who came from Cologne for around five million euros, is collecting around six million euros this season) – with success!
And actually predictable! It is Modeste’s eighth goal in eleven games against Hertha – the Frenchman has not scored more often against any other Bundesliga side.
Interesting: With Özcan (came from FC for five million euros), another ex-Cologne player has to come here to help Modeste score the premiere goal. For Özcan it is the first game for BVB after a foot injury.
Noticeable: BVB changes its short pass game and tries more crosses to Modeste. Even before the lead, Modeste missed two huge chances. First Christensen parries (22′), then Modeste sets the ball free in front of the goal (25′). But then it rings!
With the win, Dortmund put an end to the embarrassing 2:3 against newly promoted Werder (three goals conceded in the last six minutes). Hertha, on the other hand, is still waiting for the first win under new coach Sandro Schwarz (43)!
Nevertheless, there is a reason to celebrate. Marco Richter (24) came on in the 74th minute. It is the first mission after his testicular cancer operation. In the 79th he even missed the equalizer – bad luck!
Good for Berliners too: Hertha has a good chance of signing offensive talent Gabriel Vidovic (18). The Bayern jewel is to be loaned out, the Berliners are in pole position according to BILD information.