FK Ventspils 0 - 1 Hertha Berlin

Hertha close in on knockout stage

Updated: December 4, 2009, 8:57 AM UK

Hertha Berlin won for only the third time all season as a 1-0 victory away to Ventspils moved them to within a point of a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

A 12th-minute goal from Raffael, who was later shown a red card, lifted Hertha onto seven points in Group D and a draw at home to Sporting Lisbon, who have already qualified, in two weeks' time will ensure their progression.

Friedhelm Funkel's side have only picked up five points in 14 Bundesliga games this season, but tonight's win could prove a timely boost heading into their final three league games of 2009.

Ventspils had the first chance of the game in the fifth minute when Joao Martins used his pace before testing Jaroslav Drobny from just inside the penalty area, but the Hertha goalkeeper made a save.

The home side continued to press, but it was the visitors scored in the 12th minute with their first shot of the game.

Raffael met Adrian Ramos' cross and beat Ventspils goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko with a neat touch into the bottom corner.

Scoring the goal seemed to lift a huge weight from the shoulders of the Hertha players and give them a confidence they have rarely shown all season.

Cicero struck the crossbar as they threatened a second in the 23rd minute and he came close again early in the second half, with his shot cleared off the line as the Latvians began to struggle against their opponents.

Hertha defied their league position with their confident play and Kolinko needed two attempts to prevent a powerful shot from Raffael from crossing the line on the hour mark.

Drobny made a great save to deny Aleksejs Visnakovs in the 66th minute before Edgar Gauracs headed against the crossbar a minute later as the home side responded.

Hertha were reduced to 10 men with three minutes remaining when dissent earned Raffael a second yellow card and Ventspils tried to take advantage in a tense finale.

But they were unable to find an equaliser as Hertha held on for their second win in the Europa League this season.