Hoffenheim plunder Hannover to ruin Frontzeck's debut
Hanover - TSG 1899 Hoffenheim boosted their challenge for a berth in the UEFA Europa League next season with a 2-1 win at Hannover 96 which keeps the Lower Saxony side in the thick of the relegation battle.
Early shock
Anthony Modeste gave the visitors the lead within 60 seconds, but a Lars Stindl penalty levelled matters in the 28th minute. Sven Schipplock ruined Michael Frontzeck's first game as Hannover coach, though, with an 83rd-minute winner.
Frontzeck had barely taken his seat on the Hannover bench for the first time when Modeste diverted Roberto Firmino's scuffed shot in to put Hoffenheim in front. The hosts nevertheless responded well and, when Manuel Schmiedebach was fouled inside the penalty area, Stindl brought them deservedly level from the spot. Hannover rode their luck thereafter with Tobias Strobl's header hitting the post and Modeste nearly turning the ball in.
A draw was not the result either side were looking for and both came out fighting in the second half, keeping everybody inside the HDI Arena on the edge of their seats. Stindl wasted a good chance for the hosts before Joselu shot over. Such wastefulness came back to haunt them as Schipplock headed in Adam Szalai's cross to earn the visitors all three points.
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