With two goals, Stevan Jovetic at least halfway saved Tayfun Korkut's coaching premiere at Hertha BSC. The 32-year-old secured the Berliners one point at VfB Stuttgart on Sunday in the Bundesliga with his two goals at 2: 2 (1: 2). Omar Marmoush (15th minute) and Philipp Förster (19th) gave Korkut's former club an early lead, but Jovetic (40th / 76th) struck back. The relegation-threatened Berliner remained six days after the expulsion of Pal Dardai without a win in the fifth league game in a row, but were able to keep VfB at a distance as 14th in the table.

The Stuttgart, after the recent 2-1 win against Mainz 05 with fresh self-confidence, started furiously. After only 19 minutes it was 2-0 for the hosts, who were able to convince with their quick switching game. A counterattack in their own stadium led to the lead after a quarter of an hour when the Hertha defense had advanced too far and was caught off guard by only one pass: A ball from Waldemar Anton, which came up from the start despite thigh problems, landed at the rushing Marmoush , who in turn shook off Dedryck Boyata and kept his nerve alone in front of keeper Alexander Schwolow.

The joy in the VfB camp was even greater, despite the corona-related backdrop of only 395 spectators, when Förster extended the lead shortly afterwards.

The midfielder moved unmolested towards the Hertha goal, withdrew from 18 meters from the central position - and scored.

Marmoush should have made it 3-0 three minutes later when he came to the end from twelve meters free-standing.

This time Schwolow was on the post and remained the winner in the one-on-one duel.

Korkut active on the sidelines

The Herthaners seemed briefly impressed, but drew new hope through a skilful individual action by Ishak Belfodil.

The 29-year-old circled the ball from the left into the far corner after 34 minutes - and was unlucky that Vladimir Darida goalkeeper Florian Müller had blocked his view when shooting from an offside position.

Referee Benjamin Brand initially gave the goal - and then let himself be changed after viewing the TV pictures.

Much to the annoyance of Korkut, who discussed the controversial scene with the fourth official on the sidelines, gesticulating wildly.

The almost hit by Belfodil still produced a kind of hello-wake effect among the guests.

Six minutes later, the goal was sealed: This time Jovetic benefited from a too inconsistent VfB defense, was able to make meters and hit the goal precisely.

After the break, Hertha became bolder.

Smaller opportunities, including those from Darida (54th) and Maolida (56th), remained unused, as did a full free kick from Jovetic (73rd), which Müller parried strongly.

But shortly afterwards the Montenegrin could not be stopped by the VfB keeper.

Marvin Plattenhardt's cross let Belfodil drip for Jovetic - who pushed the ball over the line.

On the other hand, the guests were lucky that Marmoush's goal (66th), scored from a wafer-thin offside position, was not given.