Hertha hopes hit by Dortmund

By Mark Bennett

Hertha BSC Berlin's hopes of qualifying for UEFA club competitions next season were dealt a blow as they slipped to a 2-1 away defeat at the hands of BV Borussia Dortmund.

Ewerthon opener
The visitors enjoyed more possession in the opening minutes and created a number of chances. But it was the home side that broke the deadlock on 24 minutes when Ewerthon converted Euzebiusz Smolarek's cross. The Brazilian striker returned the compliment 12 minutes later when his deflected pass fell for Smolarek and the Polish international doubled the advantage.

Friedrich consolation
Hertha, who went in to the match having scored eleven goals in their last four matches, always posed a threat and Arne Friedrich pulled one back just after the hour. However, a second goal proved elusive and the side remain fifth, level on points with Hamburger SV, while Dortmund rise to ninth.

Bochum salvage draw
In Sunday's other game, VfL Bochum 1848 recovered from a two-goal deficit to earn a last-gasp draw at VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach. A last-minute Marcelo Pletsch own goal gifted Bochum a point after Peer Kluge and Marcell Jansen had given the home side a two-goal cushion inside 52 minutes.

Pletsch misery
However, Vratislav Lokvenc reduced the deficit on 70 minutes, before Pletsch inadvertently levelled matters. Bochum nevertheless remain five points adrift of safety while Mönchengladbach climb to 14th.