Can Hertha Make Bayern Pay for That December Shock?

Expected: Bayern to set the pace. Reality: Hertha have already shown they can stop them. On 19 April, the Bundesliga leaders host a side that beat them 2-1 in December, with the gap between first and sixth standing at 20 points.

Bayern have 70 points from 29 games and have not lost in the league for 14 matches. Their last outing, on 6 April, brought a 1-1 draw with Fortuna Düsseldorf. Hertha drew 0-0 at Bayer 04 Leverkusen the day before and have gone five league games without defeat. They sit on 50 points, six clear of seventh-placed position only by the table? Actually place 6, 50 points. Hertha's place makes the stakes plain: keep pushing towards the top, while Bayern defend first place.

The first meeting this season is no dusty warning. Hertha won 2-1 on 1 December after Sil Vlietstra put Bayern ahead; Asker Ali Kalafatoğlu and Óscar Uriarte scored late for the hosts. Uriarte is in form again, averaging 7.43 across his last three games. Bayern’s Vlietstra has a goal and five assists in his last five, and is expected to lead the attack.

The absences may shape the rematch. Hertha are without centre-backs Mario Estévez and Vladimir Cvetković, as well as defensive midfielder Mariano Embid. Cvetković, who made 586 appearances and scored 12 goals for Bayern before leaving, is injured and will miss his return. Bayern are without regular right midfielder Leanderson, while José Luís Hernández is expected to start on the left despite tiredness.

That flank offers a test: Hernández’s dribbling against right wing-back Mahsun Heyik, whose tackling gives Hertha a chance to contain him. They have 70 points against 58.9 expected; Hertha have 50 against 42.9. Both have beaten the chances so far. Bayern’s title push has been built on results, but Hertha have already proved they can make this fixture uncomfortable.