Bochum, Hertha Berlin draw in Bundesliga

Hertha Berlin's bid for a fresh start after the international break has ended in disappointment as Bochum fought back to draw 1-1 in the Bundesliga.

Ishak Belfodil's early goal for Hertha was cancelled by former Union Berlin forward Sebastian Polter after the break, stretching the home team's wait for their first win in 2022.

Hertha have failed to win in five games across all competitions this year.

The draw left Hertha just four points above the relegation zone ahead of the 21st round.

Bochum stayed two points above Hertha in 11th place.

After making four winter signings to shake up the squad, Hertha were hoping for more from their first game since announcing sporting director Arne Friedrich will leave at the end of the season.

Former Stuttgart defender Marc Oliver Kempf started for his Hertha debut in central defence beside Niklas Stark. Lee Dong-jun came on in the 59th for the South Korean's Bundesliga debut, and Norwegian defender Fredrik Andre Bjorkan in the 75th for his.

Hertha dominated the first half and Bochum drastically improved for the second.

Hertha's goal, when it came in the 23rd, was a simple one. Stevan Jovetic floated in a free kick from the left and Belfodil rose highest to head the ball beyond helpless Bochum goalkeeper Manuel Riemann.

But Polter equalised on a rebound in the 48th when Alexander Schwolow could only parry Jurgen Locadia's shot.

"In the first half we were clearly the best team," Hertha newcomer Marc Oliver Kempf told broadcasters DAZN. "The goal we conceded was really annoying."