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2. Bundesliga – Matchday 4
Eintracht Braunschweig 0 – 2 Hertha BSC Berlin
August 18, 2023 – Eintracht-Stadion
Hertha BSC made it four wins in a row with a commanding 2-0 victory away at Eintracht Braunschweig, but the result came at a cost. A second-half injury to Pablo Gavi cast a shadow over an otherwise dominant display, with early reports confirming a long-term absence for the Spanish midfielder.
Still, on the pitch, Hertha delivered one of their most professional performances to date—controlling possession, creating chances, and staying compact in a disciplined 4-2-2-2 shape that suffocated Braunschweig’s midfield.
First Half: All Pressure, Little Payoff
Hertha started aggressively, with Rasmus Højlund looking determined to get on the scoresheet early. He missed a golden chance in the 15th minute, dragging a shot wide after finding space at the top of the box. By the 36th minute, the Danish forward had registered five shots—but nothing to show for it.
Still, the visitors kept applying pressure. With 15 shots and 7 on target before halftime, it was only a matter of time. And just before the break, the breakthrough came: Kai Havertz picked up the ball centrally and slipped in Serge Gnabry, making a perfectly timed run from the right. Gnabry’s finish was composed and clinical—Hertha led 1-0 at the break.
Second Half: Game Management & A Heavy Blow
The second half started with more of the same—Hertha dominating territory and Braunschweig struggling to connect their buildup. But in the 65th minute, things took a turn as Gavi went down awkwardly following a midfield collision. He had to be helped off the pitch, with Lewis Holtby coming on in his place.
While Hertha adjusted, Braunschweig nearly snatched an equalizer—only denied by Toni Kroos, who cleared a headed effort off the line following a dangerous corner.
The nerves didn’t last long. In the 77th minute, Havertz was subbed off for Mathys Tel to inject some late pace. Then came the moment that sealed it. In the 85th minute, Højlund made up for his earlier misses, cutting a ball back from the right edge of the box into the path of Florian Wirtz, who buried his shot first-time into the bottom corner. 2-0, game over.
Final changes saw Erick Sánchez replace Kroos (82’) as Hertha tightened the lines and calmly saw the game out.
Key Performers & Tactical Notes
- Højlund: Frustrating night in front of goal, but got the assist that mattered.
- Gnabry: Continued his red-hot form. Clinical with his finish, smart in his movement.
- Wirtz: Came alive late to secure the win. Efficient and decisive.
- Kroos: Veteran awareness with a vital goal-line clearance.
- Gavi: Ran the midfield until the injury. His absence will be felt deeply.
Substitutions:
- Holtby ↩️ Gavi (65’, injury)
- Tel ↩️ Havertz (77’)
- Sánchez ↩️ Kroos (82’)
Match Summary
Hertha delivered a commanding 90 minutes in Braunschweig and deserved the win, extending their perfect start to 12 points from 4 matches. With 20+ shots and near-total control in possession, the only disappointment came in the form of Pablo Gavi’s long-term injury. Reports suggest a 7-month layoff, which could prompt the club to dip into the transfer market before the window closes.
Still, the tactical balance, attacking fluidity, and squad mentality look strong. The 4-2-2-2 is working, and key players are stepping up. Now the question is: how does Hertha evolve without Gavi?
Final Score: Eintracht Braunschweig 0 – 2 Hertha BSC
Next Fixture
📅 August 27, 2023
🏆 2. Bundesliga – Matchday 5
🆚 Hansa Rostock (8 pts)
📍 Olympiastadion, Berlin
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