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Jurgen Ekkelenkamp
Photo: Michael Sohn / AP
Bundesliga debutant Jurgen Ekkelenkamp saved Hertha BSC from the next serious mood killer with a dream debut.
At the start of the fifth matchday, the Dutchman led the Berliners to a hard-fought 2-1 (0-0) against newly promoted SpVgg Greuther Fürth and secured the blue-whites a place in the middle of the table.
After the fourth defeat of the season, Fürth remains at the bottom with one point.
The Dutchman Ekkelenkamp (61st) scored the equalizer just 87 seconds after his substitution and then significantly disturbed Maximilian Bauer (79th, own goal) with the opening goal.
Previously, Fürth had taken the lead through Branimir Hrgota (57th, penalty kick).
After the liberation in Bochum (3: 1), Hertha had absolutely wanted to improve with a win against the second promoted Fürth.
Coach Pal Dardai did not expect "a miracle kick", but believed in a "job win" - and should be proved right.
The coach was also able to rely on his son Marton, who returned to the starting line-up after recovering from an ankle injury.
Hertha tried to play the active part in front of 21,372 spectators at the beginning, but it was visibly difficult to design the game.
A lot went through the headquarters around ball distributor Kevin-Prince Boateng and the more offensive Suat Serdar.
The early pressing of the Fürth team, however, had an effect, and there were no play stations.
Dardai's team had set-up problems, lost the balls early and allowed the newly promoted team to take offensive actions.
Fürth did not hide
Coach Stefan Leitl's team was initially the better team.
But Fürth also lacked great opportunities.
Serdar suddenly got one: The 24-year-old, who was match winner in Bochum with two goals, was well staged by Ishak Belfodil.
At the end of around 16 meters, Serdar aimed just wide of the mark (16th).
The action still gave the Berliners a boost.
Hertha briefly found more passport security, new courage and more often playful solutions.
The injury to captain Dedryck Boyata (27th) caused a quick break in the Berlin upswing.
The central defender limped off the pitch and increased the existing personnel problems on the defensive.
Youngster Linus Gechter (17) had to step in.
Fürth did not hide.
The Franks acted at eye level over long periods of the first half.
Hertha goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow was not seriously challenged.
After switching sides, little changed at first.
Hertha lacked the structure in the game, standards fizzled out, perplexity seemed to spread.
The Fürth made little use of their possession, but were able to thank Deyovaisio Zeefuik, who carelessly brought down Jeremy Dudziak in the penalty area.
Hrgota showed no nakedness and took the lead.
Dardai reacted by joining new signing Ekkelenkamp - and hit the bull's eye.
The 21-year-old trained in the youth academy of Ajax Amsterdam breathed new life into Hertha in less than two minutes with a header after a corner.
Hertha was back in the game, pushed for the lead and rewarded herself.
oka / sid