Draw to a standstill: Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96 end in a 1-1 tie
In a closely contested match, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96 ended their 21st 2nd division encounter in a 1:1 draw at Hannover 96's home ground, the HDI-Arena.
The first half of the game saw both teams creating chances, with Myron van Brederode scoring the opening goal for Fortuna Düsseldorf, assisted by Jona Niemiec, who held his own in a duel with Marcel Halstenberg before setting up the Dutchman. Hannover 96 responded quickly, equalizing the score after just nine minutes, with Jannik Rochelt finding the back of the net from a cross by Jannik Dehm.
Coach Daniel Thioune made three personnel changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match, with Shinta Appelkamp and Matthias Zimmermann starting instead of Ísak Jóhannesson and Giovanni Haag, and Jona Niemiec replacing Dzenan Pejcinovic.
The second half started with Hannover having more possession, but Fortuna Düsseldorf defended compactly in a low block, limiting Hannover's chances. Rabbi Matondo caused danger for Hannover on the left wing, but the visitors were unable to take advantage of their opportunities.
In the second half, Dzenan Pejcinovic and Danny Latza were substituted in, but neither team could find a winner, and the score remained 1:1 at half-time. The next game for Fortuna Düsseldorf is against Hertha BSC on Saturday evening at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.
The equalizing goal for Hannover was set up by Nicolo Tresoldi, who flicked the ball over Kastenmeier with his heel, and the assist for the goal was provided by Jannik Dehm. The kick-off for the game against Hertha BSC is at 20:30.
Overall, it was a hard-fought draw between two evenly matched teams, with both sides showing resilience and determination. The next game will be crucial for both teams as they continue their battle for promotion in the 2. Bundesliga.
