FC Lokomotive Leipzig 1–3 Hertha Berlin – International Club Friendly, 11 July 2026

Hertha Berlin kicked off their pre-season preparations with a commanding 3-1 victory over regional side FC Lokomotive Leipzig at the Bruno-Plache-Stadion. The Bundesliga outfit displayed a sharp attacking edge from the first whistle, leaving the hosts to rue a slow start that proved decisive.

Match Overview

The match, played under warm summer conditions, saw Hertha control possession early. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when forward Haris Tabakovic slotted home from a well-worked corner routine. Lokomotive responded with grit but struggled to contain Hertha’s fluid movement in the final third.

Key Moments

• 18′ – Tabakovic opens the scoring for Hertha with a close-range finish.
• 34′ – Kevin Sessa doubles the lead with a low drive from outside the box after a defensive clearance fell kindly.
• 52′ – Lokomotive pull one back through a scrappy goal from striker Tom Nattermann, who pounced on a rebound.
• 78′ – Hertha seal the win as substitute Derry Scherhant rounds the goalkeeper after a swift counter-attack.

Tactical Story

Hertha coach Cristian Fiél used the friendly to test a high-pressing system, with full-backs pushing high to create overloads. Lokomotive, competing in the Regionalliga Nordost, showed resilience after the break but lacked the sharpness to sustain pressure against a superior opponent. The visitors introduced several second-half changes, giving minutes to academy prospects.

Standout Players

• Haris Tabakovic (Hertha): A constant threat in the box, his hold-up play and finishing were a cut above.
• Tom Nattermann (Lokomotive): Worked tirelessly and earned his goal with a poacher’s instinct.

The result gives Hertha a positive start to their friendly campaign, while Lokomotive will take heart from a spirited second-half display ahead of their own season opener.