On January 19, 2025, SC Paderborn will host Hertha BSC at 13:30 local time for the 18th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga, with both teams eager to turn their recent fortunes around. With Paderborn searching for points to secure their place among the promotion contenders, and Hertha aiming to recover from disappointing results, the match promises to be tightly contested.
This encounter marks not just another matchday; it is pivotal for both clubs, each coming off disappointing pre-winter form. SC Paderborn’s last three matches ended with only one point, diminishing their earlier position at the top of the league to sixth. They had even held the lead prior to the winter break but fell victim to consecutive home defeats.
On the other hand, Hertha BSC's first half of the season saw them finish outside the promotion spots at 12th, collecting 22 points. They have been mired in struggles, earning merely one point from their last three outings. Hertha's head coach Cristian Fiel has expressed optimism for this game, acknowledging the team's need to improve from their previous performances. "What they showed in the first half of the season was not good enough to meet our expectations," Fiel stated, underscoring the need for change.
Both teams will have the opportunity to overcome their respective issues. Paderborn, who had previously tasted victory against Hertha with a 2:1 scoreline, now aim to create history by winning back-to-back matches against the Berlin side for the first time. The last time Paderborn secured victory against Hertha was back during the Bundesliga era, November 2014, when they triumphed 3:1.
Matchday expectations are high, with Paderborn’s performance at stake for its close chase of the promotion spots. A win today could remarkably strengthen their position, especially with the competition closely behind. Knowing the importance of the points, they hope to capitalize on their home advantage.
Meanwhile, injuries are heavily affecting Hertha's line-up. The team is set to struggle without key players, including goalkeeper Tjark Ernst and midfielder Diego Demme. The loss of Marton Dardai to suspension also weighs heavily on their chances. With players like Marius Gersbeck stepping up, the pressure mounts on the squad to adjust and deliver results.
Despite their current challenges, both teams will step onto the pitch with the goal of securing all three points. Paderborn is likely to field their youngest squad, boasting talent and energy, matching the considerable experience of Hertha's players. This juxtaposition of youth against experience is set to create an intriguing dynamic during the match.
The game can be watched live on the Pay-TV channel Sky, and streaming options are available on WOW and Sky Go for subscribers. For those not equipped with these services, there will be live text coverage available through various sports portals, allowing fans to stay updated on the game.
Both clubs are familiar with the stakes of this match; points are more than just numbers and represent broader ambitions for promotion or recovery this season. The players and coaches know the significance of the moment. Fiel emphasized, "Sunday must signal the start of the next 17 games, during which we must change the predicament we find ourselves in." Scoring on this matchday could finally pivot Hertha back toward their aspirations of competing for the top spots.
Regardless of the outcome, today’s match presents not only the opportunity for important points but also the chance for redemption and revitalization—something desperately sought by both clubs as they continue their bids for upward mobility within the 2.Bundesliga.