SV Werder lose 2-1 to Hannover 96. In a thrilling second half, Werder’s efforts just come up short, as Martin Harnik (17‘) and Felix Klaus (42‘) put the hosts out of reach in the first. Ishak Belfodil got one back for the Green-Whites (74‘) but despite a strong closing stage, Werder just couldn’t find an equaliser and so the run of five games unbeaten comes to an end.
Line-up and formation: Florian Kohfeldt made three changes to the side that won 2-1 against Franfurt. The suspended Niklas Moisander was replaced by Sebastian Langkamp at the back, while Marco Freidl came in for Ludwig Augustinsson who missed the game through the thigh injury he sustained in that fixture. Florian Kaniy also came into the side for Zlatko Junuzovic, who was on the bench. The formation was therefore the usual 4-3-3 with Langkamp, Friedl, Veljkovic and Gebre Selassie protecting Pavlenka's goal. Bargfrede took up his usual position in front of the back four, as Delaney and Eggestein made up the rest of the midfield diamond. Then up top was Kruse with Kainz and Belfodil either side of him supporting from the wings.
7th minute: A cagey opening phase from both teams, no chances to report as of yet.
14th minute: First good piece of action from the Green-Whites! Max Kruse wins the ball up the pitch and finds himself in space. He sends Thomas Delaney down the wing, who crosses to Maxi Eggestein. Unfortunately Maxi just couldn’t reach it to turn it goalwards.
17th minute: Goal for Hannover. The cross comes in from Miko Albornoz and Martin Harnik gets of the end of it from close range, directing it past Jiri Pavlenka at his near post.
25th minute: What a chance for the equaliser! Ishak Belfodil comes in from the wing but does not manage to get his shot off. The ball rolls to Kruse however who finds himself in space in the box. Werder’s number 10 fires the ball over the bar from short range. He must do better from there.
42nd minute: Hannover get the second. A lost ball is picked up by Marvin Bakalorz whose shot beats Pavlenka but strikes the post. It is Felix Klaus however who is quickest to reach. The Hannover man taps in the rebound.
45th minute: Half time in the HDI-Arena, Kohfeldt will need to have words with the boys in the changing room.
46th minute: Kohfeldt reacts straight away bringing on Zlatko Junuzovic for Florian Kainz at the break.
54th minute: Two chances in quick succession for the Green-Whites. Junuzovic has the first shot but his effort is blocked. Then Delaney has a go from 20 metres out but it flies over. Good start from the Werder players.
74th minute: GOOOALLLLL!! And what a beauty from Belfodil!!
Ishak heads in a wonderful cross from Delaney. His header fires off the crossbar but comes down overe the line. The Werder boys are back in it!
75th minute: Nearly the second! Straight away the Green-Whites attack again as Belfodil finds himself running in on Philipp Tschauner one on one but his effort strikers the Hannover keeper.
83rd minute: Good spell for Werder! Attack on attack but no end product.
90th minute: What a chance at the death! Rashica sprints down the left hand side and plays in a beautiful ball to find Langkamp free at the back post. The centre-back however is not expecting it and cannot turn his effort goalwards.
90+4 minute: Close but no cigar! The Werder boys have to accept defeat in Hannover to end their run of five games unbeaten.
Conclusion: The lead Hannover built up in the first half cannot be overturned despite the efforts of the Green-Whites. Hannover end a run of five losses on the trot with a victory over their northern rivals. Eggestein, Kruse and the rest of the Werder boys were unable to convert good chances when they came, as Werder grew into the game. The change at the break helped improve their play as Junuzovic added some much needed energy. In the final fifteen minutes Werder threw everything at the game, as even Pavlenka came up in the closing stages but it just wasn’t enough. Now Werder’s attentions must switch to RB Leipzig and the game next Sunday at 18:00 CEST.
