Two late goals in 2-1 defeat against Hannover

Three changes to the starting line-up

Head coach Kees van Wonderen made three alterations to his starting XI following last weekend’s 2-1 win in Berlin. Ron Schallenberg started at centre-back after returning from a calf issue, with Tomas Kalas dropping to the bench. Derry John Murkin replaced Anton Donkor (also on the bench) at left-back, while Adrian Gantenbein came in at right-back in place of Taylan Bulut (ill). 

Antwi-Adjei scores debut goal for S04

The start of the match saw both teams look to break through and attack, although neither were successful with these opening forays up the pitch. Murkin was able to get off the first shot of the game, but had to watch as his effort went wide of the target.

As time went on, the Royal Blues began to exert their dominance over proceedings while Hannover 96 looked for opportunities in transition. Jessic Ngankam was able to place a header on target from seven metres out in the 26th minute, but Loris Karius was there to meet it. 

Schalke then went up the other end of the pitch and scored the opener almost immediately after. Kenan Karaman brought the ball into the final third before laying it off for Mehmet Can Aydin. The midfielder then played a sharp cross into the centre of the box where Christopher Antwi-Adjei was able to turn it into the back of the net (27′). It was his first goal for the Royal Blues. 

Hannover sought to respond quickly after going behind, as Enzo Leopold was able to get off a shot from the edge of the box after having won possession in midfield. His attempt sailed wide of the left post, however (32′). The visitors continued to press hard, but were unable to create many more good chances. Schallenberg’s acrobatic attempt in injury time would go on to be the final chance of the half, as the Royal Blues took a narrow lead with them in to the break. 

Hannover score twice late on

Van Wonderen made one change at half-time, bringing on Max Grüger for Janik Bachmann (neck problems). The Royal Blues came out of the break with plenty of momentum, as they circulated the ball well and managed to break into the final third on several occasions. Karaman nearly managed to double their advantage in the 49th minute after getting on the end of a pass from Grüger, but his shot was pushed over the bar by H96 goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler. Shortly after, the captain once again went close by getting a head to a cross from Antwi-Adjei, but he was unable to get it on target (55’). 

Hannover then managed to create chances of their own. Brooklyn Ezeh’s corner was met at the far post by Leopold, but his effort went just wide of the left post (61’). Six minutes later, Karius was forced to make a diving save to divert a well-struck shot from Ngankam away from the top left corner. At the other end, substitute Tobias Mohr got on the end of a ball inside the box, but his shot from a tight angle went high and wide (71’). 

As the match entered the final 15 minutes, the visitors continued to press hard in search of a way back into the game. With three minutes left to play, Jannik Rochelt was able to slot home a rebound from inside the box, after Lars Gindorf’s shot had come crashing off the crossbar. A minute later, Havard Nielsen headed in the winning goal following a corner to seal all three points for the visitors. 

Friendly against Groningen ahead of trip to Fürth

Due to the first international break of the season, there will be no league matches this coming weekend. Instead, the Royal Blues will face Dutch first-division side FC Groningen in a friendly at the Parkstadion on Wednesday (19/3, 18:00 CET). Their next league match will then be on Sunday (30/3, 13:30 CET) away at SpVgg Greuther Fürth.