Five facts about the match between Hertha BSC and FC Hansa Rostock
Second-division soccer club Hertha BSC will be looking to continue their recent run of success at FC Hansa Rostock on Sunday (13:30/ Sky). After a bumpy start to the season, coach Pal Dardai's team is increasingly finding its form.
Table situation: Although Hertha, currently in ninth place, clearly outstrip 15th-placed Rostock in the table, the points difference is less clear. With currently 12 points, Hansa can equalize with a win, but would have to score eight goals more than the Berliners to overtake them in the league.
Trend: While Hansa have dropped their last three games, Hertha are on the winning track. After two wins in a row, the Berliners are currently on a high.
Cup aftermath: The good mood in Berlin is not least due to the win against Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the second round of the DFB Cup. A brace from Haris Tabakovic and a goal from Fabian Reese put the blue and white fans in a jubilant mood after the 3-0 win at the Olympiastadion. Rostock, on the other hand, had to digest a bitter 2:3 after extra time at league rivals 1. FC Nürnberg.
Attacking strength: Hertha's top striker Tabakovic showed his class after a temporary dip in form. With nine goals, he currently tops the scoring charts in the second division. Overall, the Old Lady's offense is on the upswing, scoring twelve goals in the last five league games.
History: Hertha BSC and Hansa Rostock are both big names. The last time the long-established clubs met was in August 2017. Back then, the Berliners - also under Pal Dardai - won the DFB Cup 2-0 against the third-division side. The last time the two clubs faced each other in the Bundesliga 2 was almost 29 years ago. Hansa won 2:1 at home in February 1995.
Hertha BSC's top striker Haris Tabakovic, who currently leads the scoring charts in Bundesliga 2 with nine goals, will look to continue his form against FC Hansa Rostock in the Bundesliga 2 clash on Sunday. Despite being in 15th place, FC Hansa Rostock have the opportunity to close the points gap between them and Hertha BSC, as a win could see them equalize with 12 points, but they would need to score eight more goals than Hertha to overtake them in the league.
Source: www.dpa.com
