Hertha BSC is close to the relegation in the Bundesliga with coach Felix Magath, but Arminia Bielefeld has to tremble more than ever despite a late hit.

Due to the 1: 1 (0: 1) in the basement duel of the 32nd match day at the East Westphalia, “Firefighter” Magath missed the final rescue with his Berliners, but kept the direct pursuer Bielefeld and VfB Stuttgart at a distance.

With 33 points in two outstanding games, the guests have the direct rescue further in their own hands, especially since Stuttgart (29) also achieved a draw against VfL Wolfsburg. For the Bielefelder (27), which has been winless for nine games, the air becomes thinner around the new head coach Marco Kostmann, only the relegation place is realistic. Lucas Tousart (54.), Joakim Nilsson (90.+1), at least equalized late.

Before the game, Magath had stepped on the euphoric. In the narrow relegation battle, only “bronze” was won and could now “get silver” in Bielefeld. Instead of the blocked Vladimir Darida, Marco Richter started.

Ortega parried against Selke

At the Arminia, which was in anthracite -colored special jersey, Kostmann made four changes compared to 1: 3 at 1. FC Köln. Among other things, the 18-year-old Burak Ince was the only storm tip to give his starting eleven debut.

Both teams started courageously, but brought too little train into their offensive campaigns. The Arminia in particular was noticeable in the last third, as is so often the uncertainty, and there were many defects on both sides.

Guest striker Davie Selke ensured the first dangerous offensive campaign, but keeper Stefan Ortega cleared his header from a short distance, but quickly with his foot (23rd). Shortly afterwards he also parried a shot from the Hertha striker. For serious opportunities in front of the opposing goal, the Bielefeld were initially waiting in vain among the 26,021 spectators, instead there was a lot of idling.

In the second round, the Arminia increased the risk, veteran Gonzalo Castro had the thickest opportunity by far, but his massive shot stroked just above the crossbar (52nd).

The Berliners, in the person of Tousart, made it better just two minutes later: the Frenchman nodded a corner from Marvin Plattenhardt past the chanceless Ortega. After that, the game became more and more torn: Bielefeld reacted with angry attacks, the Hertha remained dangerous in the event of counterattacks. Then Nilsson struck.