Hamburg inflict more Hertha misery
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Article summary
Hamburger SV came from behind to defeat strugglers Hertha BSC Berlin 3-1 and move joint top of the table, while Werder Bremen won 2-0 at UEFA Champions League contenders VfB Stuttgart.
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Hamburger SV recovered from a goal down to defeat strugglers Hertha BSC Berlin 3-1 and move joint top of the Bundesliga, on a day when Werder Bremen won 2-0 at UEFA Champions League contenders VfB Stuttgart.
Coaching change
A run of six consecutive league losses had led Hertha to appoint Friedhelm Funkel as coach in place of Lucien Favre and the new incumbent seemed to be having the desired effect when Arne Friedrich (9) gave the capital club an early lead. A 24th-minute own goal from Kaká drew Hamburg level and Bruno Labbadia's side never looked back thereafter, confirming another disappointing afternoon for their fellow UEFA Europa League contenders courtesy of quickfire strikes from David Jarolím and Zé Roberto just before the break.
Top two
Hamburg trail leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen – 4-0 winners against 1. FC Nürnberg on Saturday – on goal difference, with Bremen five points adrift in fourth. Thomas Schaaf's side inflicted a fourth defeat of an inconsistent season on hosts Stuttgart thanks to an early strike from Claudio Pizarro (3) and an Aaron Hunt effort six minutes after the restart.
