Hamburg and Hannover 96 will be leaving the Imtech Arena on Saturday with the feeling that they left two points on the field.
Bundesliga Saturday: Hamburg Vs. Hannover 96: Costly Draw For Both Teams
The second half saw the match really pick up in intensity and both sides would see several quality scoring chances. With a quarter of an hour left, both sides would see their best efforts fail to hit the back of the net. Dider Ya Kanon would miss inches wide of the far post, and then Eljero Elia would later have a shot cleared off the line minutes later.
Each side used only one substitute, and both opened the game up dramatically. Hamburg would bring on Burkina Faso international Jonathan Pitroipa for Tunay Torun. He added a spark to the right side to balance the side with Elia on the left. Hannover would replace the injured Mohammed Abdellaoue with Jan Schlaudraff. Schlaudraff was able to get behind the Hamburg back four repeatedly, but Konstantin Rausch would put the best opportunity produced right into the arms of Frank Rost.
Hamburg have to be disappointed that Elia was not able to connect more with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mladen Petric. Elia was unable to effectively beat Hannover right back Steve Cherundolo in the second half. When he did beat Cherundolo, he was often unable to find a teammate to create a scoring opportunity. Elia may also want to investigate getting a new pair of cleats, as he spent the majority of the match lifting himself off of the pitch after falling.
Hannover 96 now sit two points ahead of Bayern München for the third Champions League place. Bayern play host to Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. Hamburg are now five points back of the final Europa League place.
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