In the season finale, the score was 1-2. - Despite frustration in Kiel, 96 fans eagerly celebrate.
However, Holstein misses out on winning the 2nd division championship. St. Pauli's 2:1 victory in Wiesbaden meant that Holstein had to settle for second place. The trophy was presented at St. Pauli's promotion celebration on Monday in the Kiez.
Holstein suffered a similar fate last matchday, losing 5-1 against Greuther Fürth.
"There's still something to make up for," said Hannover coach Stefan Leitl (46) before the game. This was especially relevant as Hannover 96 had also lost to Holstein 3-0 in Kiel before Christmas.
On Easter Sunday, there was no indication of another frustrating experience. With 49,000 spectators (sold out), Hannover 96 had a strong start and had four great opportunities to take an early lead through Nicolo Tresoldi (2nd, 3rd, 5th) and Enzo Leopold (9th).
But it was Holstein who grabbed the lead. The tall imposing figure of Lewis Holty (1.76 meters) headed in unchallenged after Jannik Dehm failed to stop the captain.
Halstenberg confronts Dehm
Halstenberg, the 96 defender, confronted Dehm on the pitch after conceding a goal. Dehm's performance in the season's final opening minute left a lot to be desired.
Hannover were left stunned and Holstein, just like the previous year, were hungry for more. After a corner, Ron-Robert Zieler initially made an amazing save. However, the rebound from Dortmund loanee Tom Rothe from a tight angle went through the legs of Zieler - 2:0 for Holstein.
In the second half, already-promoted Holstein managed to hold onto their lead. Hannover 96 had shown their fighting spirit all season, rebounding from a 2-0 deficit against Elversberg, Düsseldorf, Hertha, and Karlsruhe, among others, to draw 2-2 in some games. But not this time!
Cedric Teuchert (62', 70') scored twice after coming on as a substitute in his last game for 96. Louis Schaub then made it 1:2 with a well-placed header from Halstenberg's cross (79'). Teuchert (83) missed a fantastic opportunity to make it 2:1, but keeper Marcel Engelhardt made a remarkable save.
Home defeat for Hannover 96
Despite the third home loss of the season, the home team's fans enthusiastically celebrated their players. Hannover 96 ended the season in sixth place. On the other hand, the Holstein professionals and fans celebrated their 21st win of the season. While the championship trophy ended up with St. Pauli, being the first ever Bundesliga team from Schleswig-Holstein was enough for Holstein.
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Source: symclub.org
