Falling behind early on
In the sixth friendly in this year’s pre-season, our Reds travelled to Ptuj in Slovenia to take on Red Star Belgrade. In a lively match, the Serbian champions undoubtedly had the better start. Belgrade acted in the opening minutes with big challenges and didn’t let 96 into the match. In the fourth minute, Hannover’s good intent had already been overshadowed. Vukan Savicevic broke free from his central position and the 96-debut player Robert Almer and lobbed the ball at our new goalkeeper. Almer had no chance against Nenad Gavric’s shot. Belgrade did not stop there. Shortly after, Belgrade’s captain Miljas passed the ball on the right to Darko Lazovic, who was able to escape from Christian Pander. His pass into the box met Rakic, before Gavric sunk the ball into the back of the net. One minute later, Joselu was punished for a foul with a red card. 

New signing Robert Almer makes a save against Savicevic shortly before the 0-1.

Sobiech opens up the match
Hannover kept up their morale. Pander’s throw-in found Stindl in the penalty area, who shot at Belgrade keeper Kahriman’s goal. Begrade’s goalkeeper fell into trouble and could only respond by palming away Stindl’s shot. Artur Sobiech received the rebound ball and capitalised on the opportunity with a goal, which gave our team new hope. Once again it was the impressive Sobiech who won the ball back from Belgrade. Our striker closed in on the defenders, ran into the penalty area and shot at goal from 24 yards, where he tucked the ball away in the top left corner – a superb goal. 

Artur Sobiech celebrates his third goal with the team.

Third goal from Sobiech turns the match around
Manager Tayfun Korkut left his team unchanged after halftime. However, it took some time until the spectators in Ptuj were able to witness the next dangerous goal chance. In the 64th minute, Edgar Prib’s free kick hit the far post. Our new signings Gülselam and Kiyotake made their debuts for 96 shortly after this, replacing Prib and Thesker on the pitch. Leonardo Bittencourt was then replaced by Kenan Karama. The next opportunity involved our new number 28 Kiyotake Pech, when he escaped from two defenders and shot at unresponsive Kahrimann, but the ball hit the post. Sobiech rectified this three minutes later, who put the finishing touches on his impressive performance with a third goal. His lob from 19 yards escaped the Serbian number one’s efforts.

A test of willpower
“That match was a test of willpower. Belgrade made it hard for us. After two quick goals from the opposition, we came back really well. Artur kept his cool in front of goal,” said the 96-manager Tayfun Korkut.

Statistics: 

Hannover 96: Almer – Sakai, Marcelo, Thesker (67. Gülselam), Pander – Hirsch, Andreasen – Bittencourt (72. Karaman), Stindl, Prib (67. Kiyotake) – Joselu (14. Sobiech) 

Red Star Belgrade: Kahriman, Petkovic, Planic, Rakic, Lazovic, Miljas, Pavicevic, Savicevic, Mijailovic, Gavric, Kovacevic 

Goals: 0-1 Gavric (4.), 0-2 Gavric (12.), 1-2 Sobiech (25.), 2-2 Sobiech (38.), 3-2 Sobiech (82.)