Hernan Losada's first-half goal was enough to earn Heerenveen a first victory in Europa League Group D in a clash which saw both sides reduced to 10 men.

The Argentinean scored the game's only goal in the 36th minute for the Dutch side, who had substitute Darryl Janmaat red-carded after 76 minutes. Patrick Ebert saw his second yellow three minutes into second-half injury time for Berlin.

Heerenveen improved to four points in the group, while Hertha's struggles continued with just one point from three matches.

Hertha's third Group D game also saw the German side with their third different coach, with Lucien Favre and interim coach Karsten Heine followed by current boss Friedhelm Funkel.

The hosts had a fine chance after four minutes but Adrian Ramos' left-foot shot went just wide from 14 yards.

Hertha continued to have the better chances but Artur Wichniarek shot wide and Ebert's effort also flashed left of the goal.

The visitors took the lead four minutes later. Goran Popov's long ball found Michael Breuer on the right side and the captain cut inside and crossed back to Losada, who had space to steer the ball into the left corner past Sascha Burchert.

Cicero then shot just over for Berlin and the Brazilian missed a chance to equalise just before the break when Heerenveen keeper Brian Vandenbussche made a fine save from his 10-yard effort.

The visitors came out of the changing room the better side with Oussama Assaidi's shot passing just over the crossbar eight minutes after the restart.

And Heerenveen missed another chance just two minutes later as Michal Papadopoulos hammered a shot off the post despite four defenders in close attendance.

Ramos again went close with 22 minutes remaining but his volley was struck straight at Vandenbussche.

Heerenveen went a man down with 14 minutes remaining as Janmaat,

having only been on the pitch for three minutes, was dismissed for a crude challenge on Nemanja Pejcinovic.

Ramos struck the side netting with nine minutes left while substitute Gojko Kacar was also off target two minutes later, and Vandenbussche then made a great save from Rafael's attempt from six yards.

Ebert was sent off in injury time after receiving his second booking from referee Costas Kapitanis for throwing the ball away.

Hertha were denied a penalty in the final action of the game as a Heerenveen player appeared to raise his arm to block Rafael's free-kick five minutes into injury time.

Teams:

Hertha Berlin Burchert, Stein, Friedrich, Von Bergen,Pejcinovic, Lustenberger, Ebert, Cicero (Kacar 61),Bigalke (Rafael 69), Ramos, Wichniarek (Domovchiyski 46).

Subs Not Used: Sobtzik, Janker, Dardai, Bengtsson.

Sent Off: Ebert (90).

Booked: Friedrich, Lustenberger, Ebert.

Heerenveen Vandenbussche, Breuer, Bak Nielsen, Dingsdag,Popov, Losada, Elm, Grindheim (Janmaat 73),Assaidi (Henrique 83), Papadopulos, Sibon (Svec 65).

Subs Not Used: Lejsal, Elyounossi, Koning, Wolven.

Sent Off: Janmaat (76).

Booked: Bak Nielsen, Assaidi.

Goals: Losada 36.

Att: 13,134

Ref: Costas Kapitanis (Cyprus).