Hannover, Germany, GER — Hannover 96 claimed three crucial points with a home victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, controlling proceedings from the opening whistle at HDI Arena.
Daisuke Yokota needed just four minutes to break the deadlock, giving the hosts an early lead that set the tone for the match. Hannover carried that advantage into halftime before the second half produced a flurry of goals within three minutes.
Benjamin Kallman restored Hannover's lead in the 47th minute, but Fortuna responded immediately through Elias Egouli two minutes later. The visitors' joy proved short-lived as Hannover's defense held firm through the final 40 minutes to secure the victory.
Hannover controlled possession with 52.4% of the ball and created more scoring opportunities, registering 10 shots compared to Fortuna's seven. The hosts also proved more clinical, putting four efforts on target to Düsseldorf's two.
GOALS:- 4' Daisuke Yokota - Hannover 96- 47' Benjamin Kallman - Hannover 96- 49' Elias Egouli - Fortuna Düsseldorf
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- Hannover 96: Yokota - Early goal set winning foundation- Fortuna Düsseldorf: Egouli - Scored consolation goal
KEY STAT: Hannover 96 outshot Fortuna Düsseldorf 10-7 and doubled their shots on target total, 4-2.
NEXT: Fixtures TBA