Unnecessary goal...
As he did for his debut as HSV coach against RB Leipzig last weekend, Bernd Hollerbach selected a 3-5-2 formation with almost the exact same starting XI. Only the fit-again Ekdal replaced Jung in defensive midfield, who had to miss the game due to back problems.
The game featured few chances to begin with as both teams cancelled each other out in midfield. Hamburg had the best chances through shots from Santos (13’) and Hunt (18’) as well as a header from Wood (30’). The game picked up pace in the final 15 minutes of the first half. A Sakai shot struck the hand of Schwegler in the box, but referee Stegemann did not blow his whistle. The guests were then able to celebrate after a counterattack. After Mathenia made a fantastic save of Klaus’ first shot, the following corner kick should have been cleared further, but the ball ended up at the feet of Fossum, who found the net from 18 yards out to give Hannover 96 a 1-0 lead (37’). Despite going behind, the Rothosen did not hang their heads and instead pushed for an equaliser before the end of the first half. A slide tackle from Sané on Kostić in the 44th minute went unpunished by referee Stegemann and, after a brief discussion with the video assistant referees, no penalty remained the decision.