Hertha's Crucial Clash with Darmstadt and Union Berlin's Loan Move to Bolster Fortuna Düsseldorf

Hertha BSC faces a pivotal match against Darmstadt this Sunday at 13:30, which could determine their promotion fate. Currently seven points behind Darmstadt, who have maintained an unbeaten streak since late October, Hertha must secure a win to keep their hopes alive. Coach Stefan Leitl acknowledges the pressure but remains positive: "We must win and have pressure. But it is positive pressure. We are capable of beating Darmstadt. It is up to us." Key to this match is Dawid Kownacki, a loanee from Werder Bremen whose future at Hertha depends on the club securing promotion to trigger a 3 million euro purchase option. After recent struggles and reduced playtime, Kownacki has trained hard and is set to start the crucial fixture.

Coach Leitl also emphasized the challenge posed by Darmstadt’s attack, particularly the league’s leading scorer Isac Lidberg, who has 12 goals and 3 assists, alongside Fraser Hornby’s 5 goals and 6 assists. The versatile winger Luca Marseiler and former Hertha player Marco Richter, with 7 assists this season, add to Darmstadt’s attacking threat.

Meanwhile, Union Berlin’s Marin Ljubicic, 23, is joining Fortuna Düsseldorf on a loan deal without a purchase option. Fortuna has the league's poorest offense with only 17 goals this season, and Ljubicic is expected to improve their scoring efficiency. Although he has had limited playing time at Union Berlin, Ljubicic has shown potential by scoring 2 goals in just 20 minutes of play. Fortuna’s manager Sven Mislintat’s urgent reinforcement strategy highlights the club’s fight for survival in the 2. Liga.

These developments underline high stakes for German clubs balancing promotion ambitions and survival battles, with Hertha and Fortuna both depending on key players in critical upcoming matches.