Hertha BSC secured another convincing win in their pre-season preparations for the 2. Bundesliga. Four days after thrashing sixth-tier Frohnauer SC 15:0, Stefan Leitl’s side dismantled Regionalliga side Lichtenberg 47 with a 9:0 (3:0) victory. The second-division side needed time to break down the compact lower-league opponents, but Julian Eitschberger broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Kevin Sessa (41st) and Niklas Hildebrand (45.+1) added further goals before the break.

After the interval, Hertha took 25 minutes to double their lead through Sebastian Grönning (69.). Lichtenberg’s own goal in the 77th minute was followed two minutes later by Grönning’s second — and the floodgates opened. Academy products Kian Todorovic (86.), Marten Winkler (88.) and Grönning again (89.) completed the rout. The two pre-season fixtures have yielded 24 goals scored and none conceded — a statement of intent ahead of the new campaign.

What happened in Lichtenberg?

Hertha faced Regionalliga side Lichtenberg 47, who sat one tier below but defended resolutely. Leitl’s side struggled to create clear chances early on, but Eitschberger’s strike in the 37th minute broke the resistance. Sessa and Hildebrand added further goals before half-time. After the break, Grönning’s brace sealed the win, with the final flourish coming from youngsters Todorovic, Winkler and Grönning himself.

Leitl will take positives from the performance despite the one-sided scoreline. The attack looked lively, while the defence remained solid. With 47 goals scored and 44 conceded (+3 goal difference), Hertha currently sit seventh in the 2. Bundesliga with 51 points from 34 games — a decent base for the season ahead.

Why the 9:0 win matters

A clear pre-season victory boosts morale and underlines Hertha’s attacking intent. Grönning’s double is particularly encouraging ahead of the new campaign. The side must bounce back after a poor end to last season — including a 1:6 loss to Arminia Bielefeld on 17 May 2026. The two test matches show the attack is firing, though the defence still has room for improvement.

The 24:0 goal return in two games sends a strong message. Hertha now face the challenge of translating this into consistent league form. The gap to leaders FC Schalke 04 remains 19 points, and their record of 14 wins, nine draws and 11 losses from 34 games reflects inconsistency. Their last five fixtures read 1W-1D-3L — a trend they must reverse.

Next up: Mamelodi Sundowns in pre-season clash

Before the league campaign begins, Hertha have a high-profile test in Austria. At their Kitzbühel training camp from 17 to 26 July, they face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. — current CAF Champions League holders — on 21 July at 17:00 in the Mondseeland-Arena, Union Mondsee. A fascinating clash between a German second-tier side and an African powerhouse.

Leitl will use the camp to fine-tune tactics and fitness. The trip offers a chance to test Hertha against a different style of play ahead of the league opener. The aim is to start the season strongly.

Looking ahead to the 2. Bundesliga

Hertha head into the new season with cautious optimism, though the current table doesn’t reflect their potential. Their first league fixture comes on 22 August 2026 away to FC Saarbrücken — another side gearing up for the campaign. Consistency will be key if they’re to climb the table.

The pre-season has shown the attack can deliver. Now, the defence must tighten up and avoid the mistakes of last season. With Grönning, Eitschberger and Sessa leading the line, Hertha have options, but the backline must gel. The fans will hope for a strong return to the second tier — and the early signs are promising.