Hertha BSC secure important win as trainer duel tilts in Leitl’s favor
In a weekend packed with decisive results in the 2. Bundesliga, Hertha BSC claimed a crucial 3-0 victory away at 1. FC Nürnberg, a win that tightens Stefan Leitl’s grip in their coach duel with Miroslav Klose. The defensively compact, offensively efficient Berlin side, captained by Fabian Reese, delivered the kind of clinical performance that keeps the promotion hopefuls in the mix. For Klose, the loss comes a week after Nürnberg’s own first win of the season and adds pressure as the season unfolds.
Game details: the goals that sealed the win
The scoring started early when Marten Winkler headed home in the 2nd minute from a well-delivered cross by Reese. That early strike gave Hertha confidence and allowed them to control the tempo, while Nürnberg chased the game without finding a breakthrough. The visitors doubled their lead shortly before half-time as Michaël Cuisance converted at the far post following a saved effort from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.
After the break, Klose’s side pushed forward with intent but could not find the energy or precision they showed in their 2-1 victory against Bochum the previous week. Dawid Kownacki added a late third in the 84th minute to seal the scoreline. The match also saw an unfortunate injury to Nürnberg’s defender Adam Markhiev in the 37th minute, a blow to the visitors’ plans as the game opened up later on.
Implications for the managers
Leitl’s Horizonte appear clear: a robust defensive approach paired with sharp transitions is yielding results at a critical juncture of the season. Eight points from eight games sit comfortably on the ledger, easing pressure on the coach and giving Hertha a platform to build on as they chase promotion.
For Miroslav Klose, the setback compounds a tough week. Nürnberg’s four points from seven games are far short of what the club hoped for at this stage, and the start to his tenure has been uneven. While there were moments of positive intent, the lack of a consistent attacking rhythm is evident and will need to be addressed quickly if Nürnberg is to climb the table in the second half of the season.
Hannover 96 return to the top three in a dramatic top-flight clash
Across the same round, Hannover 96 shook off an early deficit to beat Arminia Bielefeld 3-1 in a high-stakes encounter watched by around 49,000 fans. After Bielefeld took the lead, Hannover struck back through Husseyn Chakroun (53) and Hayate Matsuda (55) to take control of the match. Boris Tomiak converted a second penalty in stoppage time (90+1) after missing the first spot-kick of the half (44), sealing a win that reinstates Hannover among the division’s top trio. The game featured a moment of controversy as a potential goal in the opening minutes was ruled out by the use of goal-line technology and the VAR, underscoring the intense scrutiny that accompanies modern football in the 2. Bundesliga.
Other notable results: Münster, Braunschweig, and a tense night at the stadium
Meanwhile, Preußen Münster ended Eintracht Braunschweig’s recent poor run with a 3-1 victory. Oscar Vilhelmsson opened the scoring for Münster, followed by Etienne Amenyido shortly after the break and Oliver Batista Meier in the 59th minute. Braunschweig pulled a late goal back through Erencan Yardımcı, but the result was already decided. The match was briefly interrupted by a pitch invasion from supporters late in the game, with police escorting players back to safety before the fixture resumed.
What this weekend means for the rest of the season
The results paint a competitive, unpredictable picture in the 2. Bundesliga. Hertha BSC’s win reinforces their status as promotion contenders and validates Leitl’s tactical approach, while Nürnberg must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further behind. Hannover’s comeback victory keeps them in the mix for the top three and adds credence to their title ambitions, and Münster’s win tightens the battle around mid-table as Braunschweig searches for stability. As the season continues, the interplay between these teams will shape the final standings, with depth, injuries, and midweek form likely to decide the fate of many clubs.
