Andre Schuerrle's early goal proved enough as hosts Mainz snapped a six-game winless streak and spoiled Mirko Slomka's coaching debut for Bundesliga opponents Hannover.
Schuerrle scored the only gola of the contest after just four minutes for Thomas Tuchel's side, which continued their strong showing at home.
Mainz have not lost at home this season - recording six wins and three draws in front of their own fans - to move to 27 points in eighth place.
New boss Slomka was unable to lead Hannover to victory as the team lost their fourth straight game, a run that means they have not now won in eight matches.
Mainz had the perfect start to the game, catching their visitors cold with the opener.
Schuerrle stole Jan Durica's lazy pass in the Hannover defence before streaking down the left flank.
From there he cut in, waited for Durica to commit himself and kept his nerve to beat Hannover keeper Florian Fromlowitz to the far right corner.
Mainz had a great opportunity to double the lead in the 27th minute as Miroslav Karhan sent a through ball to Adam Szalai but Fromlowitz was able to clear the dangerous situation.
The hosts again were close nine minutes later but Bo Svensson's header off Jan Simak's corner went just over the frame of the goal.
Mainz continued to be the dominant side and Szalai tried his luck again nine minutes after the break but could not beat Fromlowitz from a tight angle.
Hannover's only real chance of the contest came in the 67th minute as Mike Hanke headed Andre Jan Bruggink's corner into the upper netting from nine yards just seconds after entering the fray.
No comments:
Post a Comment