Second Division: Hertha’s victory over Bielefeld – Hertha BSC secure a last-gasp win
By Rachel · 3 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
Hertha BSC secured a 1–0 victory over Arminia Bielefeld in the second division, with Josip Brekalo scoring the decisive penalty in stoppage time. This win gives the Berlin side vital points in the battle for their position in the league table.
Match result
The winning goal came in the 90+3rd minute from a handball penalty. Josip Brekalo converted the penalty for Hertha BSC, sealing defeat for Arminia Bielefeld. With this result, Hertha BSC have moved up significantly in the 2. Bundesliga.
Venue and date
The match took place on 24 October 2026 at the Olympiastadion. After the break, there was further action, with Bielefeld having a chance to pull one back shortly before the end of the match. Referee Cristian Ballweg ultimately ruled in Hertha’s favour.
Managers’ comments
Hertha BSC manager Stefan Leitl emphasised the significance of the moment. “We never lost faith. Then there was the handball penalty. That’s sensational for the lads because they’ve simply been rewarded for their efforts. They did a lot of things right today against a tricky opponent.” Bielefeld manager Oliver Kirch, on the other hand, was disappointed, as he believed his team deserved a point. “I think we deserved a point. That really hurts, because the lads gave it their all on the pitch.”
Tactical aspects
Bielefeld defended compactly and kept their goal intact for the majority of the match. Hertha, on the other hand, looked to capitalise on set-pieces and counter-attacks after half-time. In the 66th minute, Hertha created a chance, but Brekalo didn’t see fit to go for the ball. Injury time finally brought the decisive moment when Brekalo successfully converted the penalty.
| Moment | Result |
|---|---|
| 90+3 minutes | Goal by Brekalo (handball penalty) |
| Injury time | Hertha 1–0 Bielefeld |
Frequently asked questions
How many points did Hertha gain from this match?
Hertha BSC picked up a total of five points in the second division thanks to this victory. This included the 1–0 win against Bielefeld, which improved their position in the league table.
When did the match take place?
The match between Hertha BSC and Arminia Bielefeld was played on 24 October 2026 at the Olympiastadion. It was part of the 2. Bundesliga, which at the time of the match was the tenth tier of the German football league system.
Was this their first win in the second division?
No, Hertha BSC had already suffered a 1–6 defeat against Bielefeld on 9 May 2026. This latest victory in the second division therefore marks a significant setback for Arminia.
Sources: Sportschau · As at: 25 October 2026.
All information is provided without guarantee. The figures relate to the match on 24 October 2026.
We never lost faith. Then there was the handball penalty situation.
— Stefan Leitl, Hertha BSC manager
I think we deserved a point.
— Oliver Kirch, Bielefeld manager
Hertha BSC thus secure third place in the table and remain unbeaten with 25 points. Bielefeld remain on eleven points and are therefore eight places behind the Berlin side.
