Hannover 0-1 Hoffenheim

Carlos Eduardo snatched a barely-deserved victory for Hoffenheim at Hannover on Saturday.

The home side should have been leading comfortably in the first half only to be stung five minutes before half-time when Eduardo popped up to convert the visitors' first chance of the game.

Hannover were by far the better side in the early exchanges.

Didier Konan forced a save from Timo Hildebrand in the second minute when his shot was deflected and in the 11th minute his effort from eight yards should have tested the goalkeeper again but was dragged wide.

Hanno Balitsch had Hannover's next chance in the 16th minute when he met Arnold Bruggink's corner from the right only to see Hildebrand make a comfortable save.

Valdet Rama forced Hildebrand into action again when he shot from the right side of the area and the home side were becoming visibly frustrated.

And five minutes before the break that frustration was increased significantly as Eduardo gave the visitors a shock lead.

The in-form striker latched onto Sejad Salihovic's accurate pass and placed his left-footed shot into the top corner.

The game was more balanced in the second half as Hannover sought an equaliser.

However, it was Salihovic who had the first chance after the restart. His left-footed shot from the edge of the box went wide as the midfielder seemed to lose his composure.

Constant Djakpa tried his luck for the home side in the 68th minute, firing in from the right only to see Josip Simunic deflect it out for a corner.

Hoffenheim were tighter at the back after going in front and only Konan's weak effort in the 73rd minute got the home fans off their seats as the game fizzled out.