Piatek penalty denies 10 man Leipzig

Both teams came into the game in fine form, with RB Leipzig scoring 5 against Mainz at the weekend, and Hertha putting 4 past neighbours Union Berlin.

It didn't take long for the first goal of the game when Liverpool loanee, Marko Grujic, converted Marvin Plattenhardt's corner in the 9th minute. Bizarrely, the German LB had to be taken off just a couple of moments later after suffering what appeared to be concussion a few minutes before assisting.

A Leipzig win would have seen them leapfrog Dortmund into 2nd, but they almost had their work cut out when Darida nearly made it 2. Lukebakio crossed and Darida skied his effort over the bar. If he lent forward it would have certainly been on target. Leipzig were then level 10 minutes later.

The goal came from another set-piece, with Nkunku crossing and Klostermann's glancing header hitting off the post and in past the helpless Jarstein. Both sides then had one shot each off-target before the break.

Cunha has been a very good player for Hertha since his deadline day move from Leipzig and forced Halstenburg's sending off in the 63rd minute. The Brazilian got away and the Leipzig player was late with his challenge and was shown his 2nd yellow card which meant he had to head for an early bath.

Despite the advantage, Hertha found themselves behind after a Jarstein error. Schick's drilling effort from outside the box looked a routine save for the goalkeeper, but he fumbled it and knocked the ball into his own net.

There weren't many clear cut chances in this match at all, so Hertha would have to find an equaliser soon. And so they did when the tricky Cunha was fouled in the box by Lookman. The ex-Everton player left his leg trailing and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.

Piatek then stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way and lift Hertha up to 10th. RB Leipzig remain 3rd, nine points behind Bayern, and two points behind Dortmund.

 

May 27, 2020