Winning streak continues!

The initial phase of the away game at Hannover 96 clearly went to the guests from southern Hesse. The Lilies recorded their first goal after just 23 seconds, but Philipp Förster’s attempt ended up in the arms of goalkeeper Zieler. Two minutes later Förster tried again, but this time the ball flew past the goal. With around 70% ball possession and 5:1 shots, the statistics at the start of the game also spoke in favour of the Lilies.

After a lot of shots in the opening quarter of an hour, things became a little quieter in the following minutes. In the 26th minute, the home team had their first good opportunity: after a counterattack, Tresoldi got the ball in a good position, but was unable to strike it cleanly and so the finish was no problem for Marcel Schuhen. Just a few seconds later, Fraser Hornby tried it on the other side and forced Zieler into a flying save.

Overall, the home team got into the game better and after 35 minutes, Lee had the best chance for Hannover so far, but Schuhen fended off the attempt with a strong save. The hosts now had more territory, but were unable to capitalise on it. A goalless halftime result was the logical consequence.

After the break, the Darmstadt team initially had a slight advantage again and Isac Lidberg had the first shot in the second period, but Zieler directed the long-range shot just around the post in the 53rd minute.

With a lot of patience and possession of the ball, the Lilies now managed to shift most of the game into Lower Saxony’s half. After 62 minutes, the 98ers finally found a gap in the hosts‘ defense and took the lead: Förster moved into the middle after a pass from Sergio Lopez, left two opponents standing and shot the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

The home team responded to the lead with a lot of pressure and managed to equalise on 68 minutes when Lee pushed the ball over the line after a corner after Schuhen had made the initial save. However, the Darmstadt team were not impressed and promptly took the lead again: Fynn Lakenmacher teed the ball up for Fabian Nürnberger who arrowed the ball into the bottom corner.

The 98ers now pressed for the next goal, but Lidberg in the 78th minute and then Lakenmacher in the 80th were thwarted by Zieler. Hannover then increased their offensive efforts, but the Darmstadt defence hardly allowed any dangerous shots and thus secured their fourth win in a row.