Huszti magic as Hannover win
Hanover - Szabolcs Huszti was Hannover 96's hero for the second game running with two goals and an assist in a dramatic 3-2 win over Werder Bremen at the AWD-Arena.
More Magyar magic
Huszti gave Hannover a flying start with the opening goal in the sixth minute and Leon Andreasen made it two just four minutes later. A penalty converted by Aaron Hunt brought Bremen back into the game in the 26th minute with a penalty and a strong second-half performance from the visitors earned them an equaliser through Kevin de Bruyne in the 74th minute. But there was a sting in the tail provided by Huszti, who was then given his marching orders for removing his shirt in celebration of his winner.
Huszti was Hannover's hero in the 4-0 win at Wolfsburg two weeks ago and, in case anybody had forgotten the Magyar's magic during the international break, he provided an instant reminder from 25 yards in the sixth minute. Huszti curled a left-footed free-kick over the wall and beyond the reach of Sebastian Mielitz into the top right-hand corner to set the AWD-Arena alight.
Huszti then showed what made him so important in Wolfsburg as he added to the four assists there with one more for Hannover's second goal in the tenth minute. His cross from the left was met at the near post by Andreasen, who provided the finish to a trademark Hannover counter-attack by beating Sebastian Mielitz. It looked like the Reds could run away with it, but as the ball bounced up against Mario Eggimann's hand inside the Hannover penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot, Bremen were given a route back into the game, and Hunt took it, placing the spot-kick high into the top right-hand corner of the goal.
Tale of two halves
Lars Stindl missed a good chance to make it three for Hannover just before half time, and it almost proved costly as Marko Arnautovic scuppered the chance to bring Bremen level early in the second half. The Austria international, who missed a great opportunity to level against Germany in midweek, dragged a shot across the face of goal and wide of the far post rather than pulling the ball back to a team mate.
Bremen continued to push for an equaliser, which they finally found in the 74th minute. Arnautovic's sweeping cross made its way through to Eljero Elia, who squared for de Bruyne to shoot powerfully into the top left-hand corner of the goal and complete the comeback. Hannover rode their luck with Bremen having two goals ruled out for offside. Ron-Robert Zieler then denied Arnautovic, but it was the home side who had the last laugh with Huszti sending in a stunning volley in stoppage time to earn Hannover all three points, although his celebrations earned him a red card.
Line-ups and statistics
Ben Gladwell
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