Hertha see off 10-man Frankfurt

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Vedad Ibisevic and Vladimir Darida were on target for Hertha Berlin as they saw off Eintracht Frankfurt at the Olympiastadion on Saturday, to move ahead of the Eagles into fifth place.

Hertha Berlin 2-0 Eintracht Frankfurt

Goals: 1-0 Ibisevic (52'), 2-0 Darida (83')

Red card: Seferovic (78')

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Separated by only a point at kick-off, fifth-placed Frankfurt and sixth-placed Hertha were looking to boost their hopes of European football next season in Saturday's late kick-off. However, after their six-goal thriller on Matchday 5, this was rather a slow-burner. The visitors had the better of the opening period, with Ante Rebic forcing a good stop from Rune Jarstein, but there were relatively few clear-cut chances. Hertha's first real attempt came courtesy of Salomon Kalou in the 41st minute.

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The second half began in much the same way as the first, but Hertha got their noses in front when Kalou was tackled by Bastian Oczipka inside the area, and captain Ibisevic pounced on the loose ball for 1-0. Frankfurt never really threatened to hit back, and the writing was on the wall when Haris Seferovic was sent off for deliberately catching Niklas Stark in the face. Substitute Maximilian Mittelstädt then whipped in a superb ball for Vladimir Darida to seal a 2-0 victory for Hertha.

Man of the Match

It became quickly apparently that chances were going to be at a premium in this game, and Ibisevic took his opportunity perfectly when it came. His second goal in as many games – after netting in last week's 1-1 draw with leaders Bayern – put Hertha on course for three vital points in the race for Europe.

Talking Point

A third defeat in a row for Frankfurt, in which they have conceded seven goals and failed to score once. The Eagles will have to find their shooting boots if they want to keep pace with the likes of Hertha, Hoffenheim and Dortmund.

Match Stats

    Ibisevic's last seven goals in the Bundesliga have all come at home.Frankfurt's Makoto Hasebe made his 234th Bundesliga appearance today, his first as captain, equalling the record for a Japanese player set by the pioneering Yasuhiko Okudera.Hertha midfielder Per Skjelbred played his 100th Bundesliga game for the Old Lady.

Line-ups

Hertha: Jarstein – Pekarik, Langkamp (Lustenberger 87'), Brooks, Plattenhardt – Stark, Skjelbred – Haraguchi, Darida (Duda 89'), Kalou (Mittelstädt 81') – Ibisevic (c)

Coach: Pal Dardai

Frankfurt: Hradecky – Chandler, Hector, Oczipka – Besuschkow (Tarashaj 63'), Gacinovic – Varela (Blum 69'), Hasebe (c), Tawatha – Seferovic, Rebic

Coach: Niko Kovac

Watch: Goalscorer Ibisevic discusses Hertha's win over Frankfurt:

Click here for the Hertha vs. Frankfurt Match Centre!