First shot leads to first goal
Eight Hannover players are currently on international duty and were therefore unavailable for the game against Rot-Weiß Erfurt. Like in their last league game against Borussia Dortmund, he deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation but made plenty of changes: Jan Schlaudraff, Didier Ya Konan and youngster Maximilian Brünig featured in the starting XI. The newly formed team struggled during the opening phase of the match, while the visitors appeared slightly more active. Erfurt's Andreas Wiegel recorded the first chance of the game after six minutes, testing the young keeper Brünig. Twelve minutes later he made another save, this time against Erfurt skipper Christian Kammlott. RWE enjoyed the better start to the game, but Hannover took the lead from their first shot on target. Jan Schlaudraff muscled his way through Erfurt's defence after a fine combination of passes with Jimmy Briand and converted his attempt clinically, slotting home low past RWE keeper Philipp Klewin. The Reds continued to improve after taking the lead, but left out several decent chances before half time.

Hosts extend their lead
The start of the second half produced no further chances until Christian Schulz unleashed a shot from distance in the 57th minute. Eight minutes later Lars Stindl crossed the ball into the area where Luka Odak was unfortunate to deflect the ball into his own net. Edgar Prib added his name to the scoresheet four minutes later, giving Hannover a 3-0 lead. The closing stages of the game went by without any more opportunities, as the Reds recorded a well deserved test game victory in front of 1.200 spectators. 96-sporting director Dirk Dufner was not entirely happy with the performance: "Today we saw once more, what has been our problem all season long: We create our chances beautifully but fail to take them. We have to show a different body language in the upcoming games and improve our finishing touch." Hannover coach Korkut was satisfied with the performance: "A victory always feels good. It was important for us today to take a small step into the right direction." The next big step is hopefully made in Frankfurt when the Bundesliga returns next weekend.

Statistics:

Hannover 96: Brünig - Schmiedebach - Marcelo, Felipe, Schulz (61' Pander) - Gülselam (61' Joselu) - Briand (46' Hirsch), Stindl, Schlaudraff (73' Karaman), Prib - Ya Konan

Rot-Weiß Erfurt: Klewin - Odak, Gohouri, Kleineheismann, Eichmeier - Wiegel, Bichler, Tyrala, Möhwald, Baumgarten - Kammlott 

Goals: 1-0 Schlaudraff (24'), 2-0 Odak (65' og), 3-0 Prib (69')

Attendance: 1,200