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DFB Pokal: Hamburger SV
Hamburger SV 0-3 Hertha Berliner SC
0-1 Allagui (15')
0-2 Ramos (23')
0-3 Ramos (38')
René Adler did make a return from injury, but it meant little to nothing considering the way Hertha BSC overpowered Heiko Westermann and Johan Djourou. Hamburger SV conceeded the first two goals on set pieces, and Adrian Ramos streaked by Djourou to get in a good position for the third. The midfield could not keep possession for Hamburg, and the front still cannot link up effectively together. The Bundesliga tenure clock that ticks in Amtech Arena might have to stop at the end of the season if Hamburg continues this poor form.
Bundesliga: SC Freiburg
SC Freiburg 1-1 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
1-0 Schmid (68')
1-1 Modeste (85')
Freiburg harassed Hoffenheim at the point of attack, the midfield collecting 14 successful tackles throughout the match. The pressing eventually lead Admir Mehmedi to rush forward and find Jonathan Schmid crashing the far post. The constant pressure drained the side, so much that when Anthony Modeste in the 74th minute, Immanuel Höhn and Pavel Krmas had a tough time containing him. SC Freiburg is not too different thus far home or away, but there is no away fixture in Germany like a trip to the Allianz.
UEFA Champions League: Arsenal FC
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal
1-0 Skrtel (1')
2-0 Skrtel (10')
3-0 Sterling (16')
4-0 Sturridge (20')
5-0 Sterling (52')
5-1 Arteta (P 69')
The Gunners failed a difficult test crucial to their domestic aspirations, unable to contain or counter the relentless pressure of arguably Europe's most ruthless attack. Liverpool capitalized on set-pieces and midfield turnovers to blow the game open before Arsenal showed up to play. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny could not handle the pace of Rahim Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, and Luiz Suarez, and Bacary Sagna often was punished for trying to push forward. Arsene Wenger attributed a lack of focus to the result, something that will definitely change when the Bayern barrage comes to town.
Players of Interest
Robert Lewandowski ended his goalscoring drought in a big way against SV Werder Bremen, scoring in each half and assisting Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first of two goals... Sebastian Rode was solid in his return against Eintracht Braunschweig, acting more as a back line buffer than a play facilitator... No updates yet on Jan Kirchhoff's ankle, which he injured a month ago during FC Schalke 04's January camp...
