Hertha chase record eighth straight win at Kiel to open 2. Bundesliga matchday

Hertha Berlin open the eighth round of Germany's second division on Friday evening with a chance at a historic start. The leaders have won all seven league games, most recently 2-1 against Greuther Fuerth. A win at the Holstein-Stadion would draw them level with Hannover 96, who won their first eight second-tier matches in 1986-87. Bayer Leverkusen won nine straight to start 1978-79, when the league was still split into two divisions.

Coach Stefan Leitl has been open about the record. "I told the lads that I would like their names to be linked to this record," he said, adding: "We won't put that above the game." If it happens, he said, he would be delighted for his players "from the bottom of my heart." Hertha remain without Marton Dardai (pubic bone problem) and Boris Mamuzah Lum.

Holstein Kiel are bottom and still winless after seven league games, most recently losing 1-0 to Eintracht Braunschweig. In the German Cup, however, they beat 1860 Munich 2-0 and face Hoffenheim on Oct. 28. Energie Cottbus host Nuremberg in Friday's other game.