Augsburg have defeated Hertha Berlin 1-0 at the SGL Arena courtesy of Paul Verhaegh's first-half penalty.

Marwin Hitz was called into action with 11 minutes on the clock to deny Salomon Kalou's strike, which was heading for the top corner following a mazy run from the former Chelsea man.

The home side took the lead just short of the half-hour mark when Verhaegh tucked away his penalty kick, leaving Thomas Kraft with little chance to keep it out.

Augsburg came close to doubling their advantage in the second half when Tobias Werner gathered a lofted pass inside the box, only to see his shot deflected away.

Hertha pushed for a leveller in the closing stages of the contest, but they were unable to find a way through as Markus Weinzierl's charges stood strong to take all three points.

The result leaves the Old Lady in 14th place in the Bundesliga table, while Augsburg climb up to seventh.