Hertha's Point 'Means Nothing': No Comeback in Promotion Race - Hertha Berlin's promotion hopes fade after another late collapse
Hertha Berlin's hopes of returning to the Bundesliga have taken another blow after a late equaliser cost them two points against VfL Bochum. The 2. Bundesliga side now sits seven points behind the relegation playoff spot with just eight matches remaining. Players admitted frustration as their promotion dream slips further away.
Off the pitch, suspended captain Fabian Reese spoke about his future—but left doubts about whether he will stay beyond the summer.
The match followed a familiar pattern for Hertha. Just as in their 1-1 draw with Arminia Bielefeld, they took the lead but conceded in stoppage time. This time, Dawid Kownacki's birthday celebrations were spoiled by Bochum's last-gasp equaliser. Defender John Anthony Brooks, making his return, was unable to prevent the late setback.
After the game, goalkeeper Tjark Ernst admitted the team lacks the 'final ruthlessness' to kill off matches. Hertha has repeatedly failed to score a second goal when in control, leaving them vulnerable to late collapses. Meanwhile, Reese watched from the stands due to suspension. In a recent interview, he spoke warmly about the club but stopped short of committing his future. His contract remains unchanged, with no official exit confirmed. Since that discussion, he has featured on the pitch, scoring a penalty in a friendly against Degerfors IF. Yet his comments still leave room for an early departure.
Hertha now faces an uphill battle to avoid another season in the second tier. With eight games left and a seven-point gap to close, time is running out. The players' disappointment is clear, while Reese's uncertain future adds to the club's off-field challenges.
