SC Paderborn 07 produced a stunning 5-2 thrashing of Hertha Berlin in a Bundesliga 2 spectacle on February 22, 2026. In a breathtaking match at the Home Deluxe Arena, Paderborn's attack was in irresistible form, handing the recently relegated Hertha a heavy defeat. Paderborn exploded out of the blocks, scoring three times in a blistering first-half display that left Hertha shell-shocked. The visitors managed to pull one back before halftime, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished early in the second half as Paderborn restored their three-goal advantage. Hertha scored a second, but Paderborn had the final say, netting a fifth goal to complete the rout. The result was a major statement from Paderborn in the promotion race and a significant blow to Hertha Berlin's ambitions of an immediate return to the top flight. The Paderborn manager called it a "complete performance," while Hertha's coach described the defensive display as unacceptable.