Highlights

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Leverkusen joy

It has been a fine day at the BayArena office for Leverkusen, who come away with three well deserved points and climb two places in the standings, meaning they are now back in the hunt for European football next season.
Full-time
90'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes

information
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
89'

Hertha fans bouncing

You would not quite believe that Hertha are 4-1 down here, given the way their sizeable following of fans are jumping up and down. Amazing support, given the circumstances.
84'

All change

Plenty of changes of personnel, Leverkusen looking ahead to European action on Thursday and Hertha giving a rest to key players - it appears both coaches know how this game is going to end.
81'

Tah goes close

Tah has a chance to go into the referee's book for a positive reason, but he cannot quite add a fifth.
78'

Shooting practice

It has been a good afternoon for Leverkusen's attackers.
Goal attempts
5off target
9on target
4off target
3on target
75'

Handbags

Ngankam and Tah try to swap shirts before the end of the match, and a yellow card is shown to them both.
74'

Cherry on top

Adli with the pick of the bunch! He shows excellent pace and close control and hits a shot which takes a deflection off the shin of Rogel to leave Christensen no chance. Three-goal advantage restored.
73'

Amine Adli

GOAL!

4:1
Amine Adli
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
8 %
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Diaby delight

The scorer of Leverkusen's third goal, Diaby takes the plaudits.
69'

All scorers off

Perhaps one eye on the UEFA Europa League match with Ferencvaros on Thursday as Alonso replaces two of his goalscorers. The other - Frimpong - already left the field with injury.
69'

Substitution

67'

Comeback on?

Lukebakio has now converted five out of five penalties this season, and this one has given Hertha a lifeline. His 10th of the season, equalling his best ever season in the Bundesliga, from his Fortuna Düsseldorf days.
67'
Dodi Lukébakio
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
77 %
66'

Penalty for Hertha

A lifeline for Hertha as Plattenhardt is brought down in the area, and a penalty is awarded.
65'

Wirtz the creator

Wirtz is only playing his eighth game of the season and already he has provided four assists. Only Frimpong has set up more for Leverkusen so far this season.
63'

Only half the story

information
xGoals
The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).
xG may not have Leverkusen on three goals, but certainly their performance is worthy of such a comfortable lead.
xGoals
3
1.53
0.12
3
Goals
61'

Diaby seals it!

Surely that is it now. Just moments after hitting the crossbar, Diaby follows Hincapie's example and comes in diagonally from the left, threading his shot through Christensen's legs to make it three to Leverkusen.
60'

Moussa Diaby

GOAL!

3:0
Moussa Diaby
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
34 %
59'

Hincapie denied

Hincapie cuts in at pace from the left (sound familiar?), but his low shot is saved by Christensen's foot. No matter which side they come from, Leverkusen are so dangerous!
58'

A change is as good as a rest

The first two changes are made by Sandro Schwarz - can Boetius and Jovetic provide the cutting edge Serdar and Niederlechner could not?
55'

Diaby denied

Christensen does well to deny a low Diaby strike, Leverkusen's first attempt of a second half which has so far seen Hertha take the game to the hosts.
51'

Hradecky save!

Finally the last line of the Leverkusen defence has something to do, and he does it outstandingly well, tipping a low Lukebakio effort behind for a corner.
50'

Low tempo

Leverkusen just going through the motions now, with plenty of passes.
Passes
358
199
2:38
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Phantom goal

Here it is, that 'phantom' Kiessling goal against Hoffenheim. We should not see a repeat today.
46'

DIY done

After a DIY job on the net, Leverkusen get us underway for the second half.
Kick-off!
45'
+ 3

Hole in the net

The second half will start with a bit of a delay as a small hole has been spotted in one of the goals. Remember Kiessling's phantom goal against Hoffenheim? Better to stitch up the hole...
45'
+ 3

Dominant hosts

A very comfortable lead for Leverkusen at half-time. They have looked a threat whenever they have pushed forward, while Hertha have not managed a single shot on goal. Time for the two coaches to deliver what are likely to be very contrasting team talks in the dressing room.
Half-time
43'

Speed demon

Diaby's top speed this afternoon is one of the quickest recorded this season,
Fastest runner (km/h)
35.67
33.08
Moussa Diaby Marc-Oliver Kempf
41'

Rare double

This is only the second time this season that Leverkusen have scored two goals before half-time. The first time was against Schalke, when a 2-0 interval lead became a 4-0 triumph on Xabi Alonso's debut as head coach.
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Job done

Frimpong celebrates his goal, having set up the first, although he has since left the field due to injury.
36'

Attacking on all fronts

Leverkusen have scored twice when coming down the right wing, and they nearly got a third from the left. A grimace by Marco Richter says it all about how much Hertha are struggling here.
33'

Hopeless for Hertha?

Hertha have not picked up a single point this season in games where they have fallen behind, and that has happened eight times.
30'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes

information
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
28'

Frimpong throws in the towel

Unfortunately for Leverkusen, Frimpong has been forced to limp off the field with a muscular injury. He has scored one and made one, but Leverkusen fans will be concerned to see him leave the action so early.
28'

Dynamic duo

5 of Frimpong's 7 Bundesliga goals have been set up by Diaby.
26'

Hertha cannot find the target

This statistic says why Hertha are struggling - they have yet to test Hradecky, who has not yet had to get involved in this, his 250th Bundesliga appearance.
Goal attempts
2off target
4on target
3off target
0on target
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Sucking it up

Azmoun celebrates putting Leverkusen in front.
24'

Frimpong on fire

For the first time in his career, Frimpong has scored and assisted goals in the same game.
22'

Carbon copy!

Hertha do not learn the lesson of the first goal, so Leverkusen do it all over again. Diaby gets round the back on the right and cuts the ball back for Frimpong, whose low shot cannot quite be cleared off the line by Richter. Two almost identical goals for Leverkusen!
21'
Jeremie Frimpong
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
36 %
18'

Azmoun almost at the double

The same combination which provided the opening goal link up again with Frimpong's pass turned towards goal by Azmoun, but Christensen tips it over instinctively!
15'

Richter rifles one

A good response from Hertha, with Richter rifling in their first shot of the game, though he sends it wide of the far post. Hertha can no longer just sit back and soak up the pressure - they need to build some of their own.
13'

Pressure pays off!

A great combination involving Diaby and Frimpong rips through the Hertha defence, and the latter pulls the ball back for Azmoun, whose slide-rule shot is cleared from just behind the line - at least that is what the referee's watch says, as he raises his arm for all to see the goal is given.
12'
Sardar Azmoun
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
31 %
10'

Putting the pressure on

Not only are Leverkusen leading the possession stakes, they have already forced three corners in the first 10 minutes.
Corners
3
0
8'

Hradecky landmark

Leverkusen goalkeeper Hradecky is making his 250th Bundesliga appearance. He has not touched the ball yet, but would be happy keeping things that way.
6'

Frimpong probes

Leverkusen are looking to attack down the right, and given the pace of Frimpong, it is easy to see why. He races round the back, but his cut-back is turned behind for a corner.
5'

Leverkusen on the ball

Leverkusen have had most of the ball over the first four minutes of the game.
Possession (%)
6733
2'

First corner

Just a minute on the clock and Leverkusen have forced the first corner of the game. Wirtz is over it, but Lukebakio clears it easily.
1'

Away we go

It is Hertha who get the ball rolling at the BayArena, shooting from right to left in this first half.
Kick-off!

Rudi ready

Former Leverkusen CEO Rudi Völler is taking his place in the stands, as the teams emerge from the tunnel. Not long now!

Away day blues?

You have to go back to September 16 for Hertha's last point on the road, picked up in Mainz. Now would be a perfect time to remedy that record.

Hertha ready

Hertha's players have already left the field after completing their warm-up. Leverkusen's players are still taking a few final shots before heading back to the changing room.

Andrich advances

With Kossounou back, Andrich advances into the midfield having covered in the back three a week ago.
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Dodi Luke-back-io

Dodi Lukebakio makes his first start since Matchday 19. He has scored two in three substitute appearances since then and is the Old Lady’s top scorer this season on nine.
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Wirtz one of three changes

Alonso has made three changes to the side which faced Freiburg last weekend, with Wirtz, Hincapie and Tah returning, the latter two after suspension. Bakker, Demirbay and Hlozek make way.

Hertha starting XI

Christensen – Rogel, Uremovic, Kempf - Richter, Tousart, Cigerci, Serdar, Plattenhardt (c) - Lukebakio, Niederlechner

Leverkusen starting XI

Hradecky (c) - Tapsoba, Tah, Kossounou - Frimpong, Andrich, Palacios Hincapie - Wirtz - Diaby, Azmoun

Hertha hope to climb

Hertha, on the other hand, can take a big step away from the relegation dog fight with a win. With Stuttgart, Hoffenheim and Bochum all losing, a win would put the Old Lady four points ahead of the drop zone.

European hopes fading

Leverkusen head into this game in 11th place, a full ten points outside the top six, and a potential return to the Champions League lies a further four points ahead. A win today is therefore quite necessary to revive any hopes of playing in Europe next season.

Early team news

Hosts Leverkusen have had good news in recent weeks, with Schick, Moussa Diaby and Florian Wirtz all back from injury, while Amine Adli, Piero Hincapie and Jonathan Tah return after suspension last weekend. As for Hertha, Marton Dardai and Marc-Oliver Kempf appeared to be injury doubts but both should be fit enough to start in defence.
2:03
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Watch: Leverkusen's 1-1 draw with Freiburg

As for Leverkusen, they claimed a 1-1 draw with Freiburg on Matchday 22, with Sardar Azmoun salvaging a point for Die Werkself.
2:03
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Watch: Hertha claimed big win last time out

Dodi Lukebakio came off the bench to score a vital second goal as Hertha moved out of the relegation zone with an important 2-0 win against Augsburg last weekend.
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Alonso: "We've conceded too many goals"

Leverkusen go into today's game without a clean sheet since Matchday 17 and having conceded eight times in their last five league games. It's a record Alonso wants to end today. "That has to improve," he said in his pre-match press conference of Leverkusen's leaky defence. "We have to be able to defend better without the ball and learn to increase the tempo up front only when we’ve found the space. That's a process we've been working on this week."
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Schwarz: "We've got to drag the game our way"

Visiting boss Sandro Schwarz told media this week that he expects a stern test at the BayArena today and is looking for his side to force the hosts into playing the game on Hertha's terms. "Especially in the middle of the park, Bayer have a lot of footballing ability," said Schwarz. "We will have to play well to have any chance of winning the game. At the end of the day, it's down to us to drag the game our way."
2:03
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Watch: The 2-2 draw between these sides on MD6

Hertha and Leverkusen shared four second-half goals in the German capital earlier on this season, with Patrik Schick securing a point for the visitors.

Faltering Leverkusen

Leverkusen, meanwhile, have just one win in their last five Bundesliga matches and dropped to 11th after their 1-1 draw with Freiburg on Matchday 21. Coach Xabi Alonso needs things to turn around, and quickly, otherwise Die Werkself's season could end in the unfamiliar position of the Bundesliga's bottom half.

All or nothing Hertha

Hertha haven't drawn since a 2-2 share of the spoils with Frebiurg on Matchday 9. Since then, they've won four times and lost nine games so expect someone to take all three points on Sunday. Two of Hertha's four wins in that time have come across their last three games to get them moving in the right direction.
0:30
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Hello and welcome!

Thanks for joining us for build-up and live match coverage of the Matchday 23 fixture between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin.