In the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin drew 1-1 at home with 1. FC Nürnberg. The hosts took the lead with a goal from Jonathan Aspa Jensen, but the visitors equalized through Jens Castropf. Before the match, Hertha coach Stefan Leitl announced squad rotation, and Nürnberg hoped for the return from injury of Keman Nzingoula, who however did not appear on the pitch. The match was significant in the context of the battle for points in the table.

Draw After Blowing Lead

Hertha Berlin lost their advantage after Jensen's goal and ultimately drew 1-1 with Nürnberg following Castropf's strike. It was a result that did not fully satisfy either side in the context of the battle for points.

Rotation Announcement at Hertha

Hertha coach Stefan Leitl announced before the match that he would give reserves a chance to bring in some freshness. This was a reaction to weaker results and a desire to spur the team on in the fight to return to the Bundesliga.

Failed Return of Nzingoula

1. FC Nürnberg hoped for the return from injury of key midfielder Keman Nzingoula. Despite hopes for a quick 'blitzheilung', the player ultimately did not play, weakening the visitors' attacking capabilities.

Compensation for Defeat

For the team from Nuremberg, the match in Berlin was an opportunity for revenge for the heavy 0-4 defeat in the first clash of the season. The draw can be seen as an improvement, though not a source of full satisfaction.

On Friday, February 27, the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga took place at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin between Hertha Berlin and 1. FC Nürnberg. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a mixed result for both teams aspiring for promotion. The hosts opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Jonathan Aspa Jensen capitalized on a pass from Torgall Mac Allister. Hertha maintained the lead until the 67th minute, when Jens Castropf equalized for the visitors with a follow-up shot in the penalty area. The 2. Bundesliga has operated since 1974 as the second tier of German football. Direct promotion to the Bundesliga is usually secured by the top two teams, while the third-placed team enters a playoff with the 16th-placed team from the top flight. In the 2025/2026 season, it features recent relegation sides like Hertha Berlin, as well as clubs with rich histories like 1. FC Nürnberg, which last played in the Bundesliga in the 2018/2019 season. Before the match, the main topic on Hertha's side was coach Stefan Leitl's announcements about changes to the lineup. „I've always said everyone in the squad has to be ready. Sometimes you have to give others a chance to bring in some freshness.” — Stefan Leitl This declaration, described in the media as announcing a 'change' ('Wechsel'), stemmed from the need to revitalize the team after a disappointing start to the spring round and effectively giving up the fight for direct promotion. On the visitors' side, attention focused on the injury of midfielder Keman Nzingoula. Nürnberg expressed hope for his quick recovery ('Blitzheilung') and return to the squad, which was meant to strengthen the attack. Ultimately, Nzingoula was not even on the substitute bench, meaning his absence was prolonged. The match had additional psychological significance for Nürnberg, as it was an opportunity for revenge for the heavy 0-4 defeat in the first meeting of the season, played in Nuremberg in September. The draw, though incomplete, was a form of compensation. For Hertha Berlin, relegated from the Bundesliga, this result is another point in the long and arduous fight to return to the elite, though it distanced them from the direct promotion spots. Both teams must now focus on the upcoming matchdays to achieve their seasonal goals.

Mentioned People

  • Stefan Leitl — coach of Hertha Berlin, who announced squad rotation before the match against Nürnberg
  • Keman Nzingoula — injured midfielder of 1. FC Nürnberg, whose return the team was hoping for before the match in Berlin
  • Jonathan Aspa Jensen — Hertha Berlin player who scored the goal for 1-0 in the match against Nürnberg
  • Jens Castropf — 1. FC Nürnberg player who scored the goal for 1-1 in the match against Hertha Berlin