Berlin, Ingolstadt secure victories in German Bundesliga

Berlin April 10 (IANS) Hertha Berlin overcame Augsburg 2-0 on two first-half goals while Markus Suttner s late goal helped Ingolstadt to beat the bottom dwelling Darmstadt 3-2 in the 28th round of Bundesliga.

Berlin ended their three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over relegation threatened Augsburg on Sunday who were unable to snatch a win in the last six games reports Xinhua news agency.

The hosts dictated the pace from the kick-off and ensured the opener in just 12 minutes as John Anthony Brooks nodded in a rebound from close range following a corner kick.

Augsburg barely threatened Berlin s defence. The Herthaner should have doubled their advantage but Vedad Ibisevic s effort following a one-two with Salomon Kalou was defused by custodian Marwin Hitz.

The visitors showed their first vital sign in the 33rd minute when Kevin Danso tested Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein from a promising position.

However Pal Dardai s men remained focused and sealed the deal against harmless Augsburg as Kalou passed into the path of Valentin Stocker who tapped home the 2-0 lead in the 37th minute.

With the result Berlin climbed on to the fifth place to remain in the race for an international spot while Augsburg stay on the 16th position which is a relegation play-off spot.

Elsewhere Ingolstadt reaped their third consecutive win after overpowering bottom side Darmstadt 3-2.

Pascal Gross broke the deadlock for Ingolstadt before a brace from Mario Vrancic turned the tide within five minutes.

Ingolstadt stood firm and bounced back as Almog Cohen restored parity before Markus Suttner scored the 3-2 winner with a free kick goal in the closing period.

Both sides had to complete the game with ten men as Romain Bregerie was sent off with a straight red card whereas Antonio Mirko Colak received his marching order after seeing his second yellow card.

The victory puts 17th placed Ingolstadt into a touching distance of safety while last placed Darmstadt lag far behind in the Bundesliga bottom.

--IANS
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