We still can progress - Lucien Favre
Hertha Berlin coach Lucien Favre is optimistic his side will be able to make the group stage of the UEFA Europa League despite losing the first leg of their play-off match 2-1 against Brondby on Thursday night.
Berlin will welcome their Danish opponents to the capital next Thursday for the decisive second leg and Favre still thinks his side has the chance to progress, although he knows it could and perhaps should have been a bit easier.
The Bundesliga side missed chances to score a second goal in Copenhagen on Thursday night and know they must beat Brondby, preferably without conceding next Thursday.
"The 2-1 score is fine, although there was certainly more in the game for us today," said Favre on the club's website.
"A draw was definitely possible. It was a tough game for us because Brondby were very engaged and strong in the tackle.
"But 2-1 leaves us with every chance in the return leg, although it is going to be a very difficult game for us."
However, Favre may be without striker Artur Wichniarek for the return leg, which will be played in the city's Jahnstadion due to the Athletic's World Championships which are currently being staged in their usual Olympiastadion home.
The Polish striker lasted just 31 minutes before limping from the field with an injury which left him puzzled.
"I don't know what happened," he said. "I suddenly got really severe pain in my back.
"Now I will have to undergo intensive treatment because there is not a lot of time before Sunday."
Wichniarek is also a doubt for Sunday's Bundesliga trip to Bochum.
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