Hertha Berlin draw with Hoffenheim

Berlin, Oct 2, 2022 (AFP) - Hertha Berlin held on to pick up a valuable point with a 1-1 draw at home against Hoffenheim on Sunday.

The hosts went behind early, with Andrej Kramaric pouncing on a deflected shot to score in the 27th minute in his 200th appearance for the club.

Hertha struck back in the 37th minute thanks to a poor defensive mistake from Hoffenheim wingback and former Manchester City player Angelinho.

Receiving a throw in in his own half, the Spaniard unleashed a reckless cross towards his own goal, which was collected by Chidera Ejuke who set up Dodi Lukebakio for his third of the season.

In the dying stages, Hoffenheim upped the pressure on the home side's goal, Christoph Baumgartner dragged the ball wide in the 76th minute and Robert Skov scored in the 87th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside.

- 'Windhorst out' -

The result comes after a period of upheaval in what has already been a turbulent season for the Berliners.

This week, London's Financial Times reported Hertha benefactor Lars Windhorst commissioned an Israeli detective agency to discredit former club president Werner Gegenbauer - an allegation Windhorst denies.

Just before kickoff, Hertha fans showcased their displeasure with the saga and with ownership in general, unveiling a banner saying 'Windhorst and Gegenbauer out!'

Hertha, who narrowly avoided relegation last season by beating Hamburg in the relegation playoff series, have also had to contend with their cross-town rivals Union Berlin putting in their best-ever first-division season so far, with the Unioners currently sitting top of the table.

Hoffenheim had the chance to leapfrog Dortmund into the top four with a win but now finish the weekend in fifth.

Hertha's fourth draw of the season sees them in 14th place, although Schalke have the chance to move above them on the table with a win at home against Augsburg later on Sunday.