Opponents fit the mould

Up against Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hannover 96 were looking to end their training camp in Bad Radkersburg on a high note as they got another taste of what playing in the Europa League may be like. On top of that, their opponents who finished second in the Israeli league last season, could well be their opponents once again in European competition. 96 head coach Mirko Slomka was without Sergio Pinto, who injured his shinbone in training, and brought in Altin Lala as his replacement.

Hapoel take the initiative

The Israelis were quick to notice that the Reds weren’t necessarily on the top of their game and with some weary legs taking to the field they went to work on exploiting that tiredness. 12 minutes in and they had found the breakthrough as Yossy Shivchon rose above Christian Schulz to plant a firm header beyond Ron-Robert Zieler and into the top corner. 96 reacted well and “Moa”, having had a shot blocked moments earlier, popped up in the right place at the right time. A quick throw just after the quarter hour mark allowed Rausch to dart past his opponent and fire off a fierce strike, which was parried right to the feet of Abdellaoue. However, the lead only last 15 minutes before the Israeli side got themselves back in front. Tanuz beat Schulz down the left before finding Omer Damary who was a step ahead of Emanuel Pogatetz to head home. Abdellaoue saw an effort over the bar, but the teams went in at the break with the Reds 2-1 down.

The second half was severely lacking in chances and outside of another Hapoel Tel Aviv header that was ruled out for offside, there was very little to speak in terms of goalmouth action. Stindl forced a save out of Hapoel keeper Edel with a free-kick from distance for the Reds only real chance.

96-veteran Altin Lala stayed tight to his man

Slomka: “A taste of what’s to come”

After two solid performances in the pre-season friendlies, Slomka’s charges suffered their first defeat at the end of a tiring training camp in Bad Radkersburg. “We were really tired today and our opponents were just too good”, reflected 96 head coach Mirko Slomka. “We took no notice of our the match in training, but worked intensively on our physical attributes. Maybe this is a taste of what’s to come in European competition and we’ll have to do much better next time.”

JT

Hannover 96: Zieler - Chahed (46’ Eggimann), Haggui (67’ Avevor), Pogatetz, Schulz -  Schmiedebach, Lala (46’ Hauger), Stindl, Rausch - Stoppelkamp (46’ Schlaudraff), Abdellaoue (67’ Aycicek)

Goals: 0:1 (12.), 1:1 Abdellaoue (16’), Damary 1:2 (32’)

Attendance: 400

Photos: Team zur Nieden