Timon Weiner frustrates Hertha as Holstein Kiel hold leaders to goalless draw

Weiner keeps Hertha at bay in Kiel

Hertha Berlin’s winning run came to an end with a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Holstein Kiel, as goalkeeper Timon Weiner repeatedly denied the visitors and secured a hard-earned point for the hosts.

Stefan Leitl’s side travelled to the Holstein-Stadion seeking an eighth consecutive league victory and began aggressively. Oluwaseun Adewumi was twice stopped by Weiner in the opening 15 minutes, and the goalkeeper remained central to Kiel’s resistance throughout the match.

Weiner thwarted Sebastian Grønning from close range after Julian Eitschberger’s cross, then denied the striker again when Paul Seguin played him through. Grønning came closest to breaking the deadlock after the interval, directing Adewumi’s cross towards goal from six yards only to see his header strike the post.

Kiel also threatened before half-time, when Phil Harres met a cross with a header that Marius Gersbeck turned away. The hosts’ attacking contribution was more limited after the break, but their defensive organisation and Weiner’s saves held firm as Hertha pressed for a winner.

Kiel’s Sebastian Schonlau, making his debut for the club, was forced off injured in the 50th minute and replaced by David Zec. Hertha made attacking changes of their own, but could not find the decisive finish; Mads Pedersen sent a late effort narrowly wide.

The result leaves Hertha to settle for their first dropped points of the campaign. Kiel remain without a league win this season, but can take encouragement from a clean sheet against a side that had started the campaign with a long winning streak.