Hertha Berlin loses 5-2 and edges towards Bundesliga relegation

BERLIN — Hertha Berlin edged nearer to Bundesliga relegation after shedding at Cologne 5-2 on Friday left the capital membership rooted to the underside of the desk with two video games left to play.

Timo Hübers scored twice for Cologne to come back from 2-1 down and transfer to tenth forward of the remainder of the thirty second spherical, whereas Hertha missed the prospect to maneuver forward of Bochum on aim distinction.

Hertha remained 5 factors from security. Depending on different outcomes, Hertha might be relegated to the second division subsequent weekend with a loss at residence to Bochum within the penultimate spherical.

Hertha received off to a nasty begin in Cologne when Davie Selke scored in opposition to his former teammates within the eighth minute. Selke thrived at Hertha in Pál Dardái’s earlier stint as coach however he was offloaded to Cologne in January.

Selke rose larger than Hertha defender Filip Uremovic to satisfy Eric Martel’s cross and head the ball contained in the left submit. Selke and Uremovic wanted remedy afterward. Uremovic was unable to proceed.

Lucas Tousart equalized 10 minutes later when the Cologne protection did not clear after good work from Marco Richter.

PHOTOS: Hertha Berlin loses 5-2 and edges towards Bundesliga relegation

Hertha wanted goalkeeper Oliver Christensen to thwart Kingsley Schindler’s goal-bound effort earlier than Stevan Jovetic received the guests’ second aim within the thirty third.

But Hertha’s protection remained shaky. Hübers equalized with a header to a free kick, then Ellyes Skhiri scored Cologne’s third on a counterattack earlier than the break.

The excellent Christensen stopped Cologne from chalking up the objectives within the second half, whereas the crossbar and submit additionally got here to the guests’ rescue.

Hertha substitute Jessic Ngankam had the prospect to equalize however Cologne ’keeper Marvin Schwäbe received the higher of their one-on-one.

Then Hübers lastly rewarded Cologne’s dominance together with his heel within the 69th and Denis Huseinbasic received the house staff’s fifth within the 81st.