Hertha Berlin’s Quest for Bundesliga Return: The 2025/26 Season Unfolds

20 December 2025 Sports

Introduction: Berlin’s Sleeping Giant Awakens

Hertha Berlin, affectionately known as ‘Die Alte Dame’ (The Old Lady), finds itself at a critical juncture in its storied history. Founded in 1892, the club won German championships in 1930 and 1931, and ranks 12th in the all-time Bundesliga table. However, after suffering relegation from the Bundesliga in the 2022/23 season, the capital club has struggled to regain its top-flight status, making this season crucial for the ambitious Berlin outfit.

Current Season: A Mixed Campaign

This season, the Old Lady have done a much better job and were constantly around the promotion spots, though after winning only one point in the past two games, they dropped to 7th place. With 26 points from 15 matches (8 wins, 2 draws, 5 losses), Hertha Berlin remains in contention but faces mounting pressure. Recent results have been disappointing: a 0-2 home defeat to FC Magdeburg and a 3-3 draw at Greuther Fürth have slowed their momentum.

The Path Ahead: Critical Fixtures

The upcoming period will define Hertha Berlin’s season. After facing Arminia Bielefeld, Hertha will face Schalke, Karlsruher, Darmstadt, and Elversberg – currently the 1st, 8th, 3rd, and 2nd teams on the league table. This challenging sequence of fixtures will test the mettle of Stefan Leitl’s squad. The winter break fixture against Bielefeld presents an opportunity to regain form, with both clubs wanting to enter the short winter pause with a victory, as Berlin aims to crack an internal club record.

Conclusion: Significance for Hertha and Berlin Football

For a club that plays in the iconic Olympiastadion and represents Germany’s capital, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Hertha are now five points away from the playoffs and six away from direct promotion. The pressure intensifies as Union Berlin continues to thrive in the Bundesliga, making Hertha’s return to Germany’s top flight even more urgent. With passionate support from their loyal fanbase and the infrastructure of a major club, Hertha Berlin must convert potential into points. The next few months will determine whether the Old Lady can reclaim her place among Germany’s elite or face another season in football’s second tier.