Hertha’s topsy-turvy form eventually brought about their downfall. Berlin were still capable of springing the odd surprise and were the only side in the league capable of travelling to Dortmund and nicking all three points. It was their disastrous home form which let them down, until the final match of the season. Victory over Hoffenheim then clinched a relegation play-off for the Berlin team. However, there was to be no fairy tale ending: they lost the first leg at home to Fortuna Dusseldorf and drew the second, which means they are relegated to the second tier.
