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Matchday 2 | 2. Bundesliga
1. FC Kaiserslautern 0 – 2 Hertha BSC Berlin
July 30, 2023 – Fritz-Walter-Stadion
By Georg Kevin Paquet
Hertha BSC Berlin continued their dream start to life in the 2. Bundesliga with a well-earned 2-0 away win at 1. FC Kaiserslautern, courtesy of second-half goals from Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry. Both fullbacks—Achraf Hakimi and Alphonso Davies—were directly involved in the goals, proving once again that this Hertha side is not only deep in talent but fluid in execution.
With two wins, six points, six goals scored and none conceded, the capital club is already sending a strong message: this is a promotion campaign with purpose.
Frustration Early, Precision Later
Kaiserslautern started with intensity, looking to unsettle Hertha’s rhythm. But even with a roaring Betzenberg crowd behind them, they found little joy. Hertha controlled possession through Kroos and Gavi, with Wirtz showing his usual flair down the left—but it was a Schlotterbeck header from a Kroos set piece in the 37th that nearly broke the deadlock.
At halftime, it was 0-0. The nerves weren’t showing, but the breakthrough still needed to come.
Backline Becomes the Frontline
The match flipped in the 53rd minute. Hakimi, pushing high up the right channel, played a smart cutback into the path of Havertz, who coolly placed it low into the corner to give Hertha a deserved 1-0 lead.
Eleven minutes later, the other flank lit up. Alphonso Davies surged down the left and floated a cross-field ball that sailed over the defense and found Serge Gnabry at full stride. The winger struck it first time—side-netting, far post, unstoppable. 2-0 Hertha.
Highlights & Tactical Notes
- Pablo Gavi dictated play once more and quietly
- Wirtz was active all game but couldn’t quite find the final product—still, his pressing and link-up with Davies offered constant threat.
- Declan Rice broke up every counter before it became dangerous. Clean, calm, and vital.
- Donnarumma registered another clean sheet but was finally tested in the 74th with a sharp low save—his only real involvement.
- Substitutions: Mathys Tel replaced Højlund in the 68th to stretch the defense with fresh legs. Reese and Sánchez also featured late on to lock the result down.
Up Next: DFB-Pokal Debut at Home
📅 August 6, 2023
🏆 DFB-Pokal – Round 1
🆚 SV Wehen Wiesbaden
📍 Olympiastadion Berlin
Hertha return home next week for their first cup fixture of the season, looking to maintain momentum while rotating strategically. With the squad clicking early and confidence high, fans will be hoping for another dominant display in front of the home crowd.
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