Hannover 96 II secured their first win of the new year, defeating Erzgebirge Aue 2-1 at Eilenriedestadion during the restart of the 3. Liga. The match, played under challenging foggy conditions, marked the coaching debut of Aue's new head coach, Jens Härtel, who took over amid significant player absences due to illness.
Aue made strong strides early on, with striker Marcel Bär finding the back of the net just 10 minutes in, heading home from close range. The early lead, his tenth of the season, created optimism for the Lila-Weißen, who have struggled lately but aimed to kickstart their campaign.
Nevertheless, Hannover refused to falter and gained momentum as the match progressed, eventually equalizing through Stefano Marino's header from a free-kick just before halftime, leveling the score at 1-1.
After the break, the game shifted dramatically for Aue when Kilian Jakob received a second yellow card for a foul, leaving his team to fight with only ten men. This pivotal moment allowed Hannover to take control.
Keanu Brandt came through for Hannover, scoring the winning goal from 20 meters shortly after Jakob's dismissal. His precise shot curled past the Aue keeper, giving the hosts the edge they needed with just 20 minutes remaining.
Despite the deficit, Aue fought valiantly to equalize. A highlight for the visitors came when defender Anthony Barylla almost leveled the scores, but his powerful effort was cleared off the line, preserving Hannover's lead.
Härtel's debut ended on a disappointing note, reflecting the trials of managing with such limited resources. "I think we performed reasonably well," Härtel remarked post-match, emphasizing the need for consistent performances to climb the league table and avoid relegation.
The absence of key players like Marvin Stefaniak, Pascal Fallmann, and Mirnes Pepic due to illness significantly impacted Aue's performance. Bär echoed those sentiments, stating, "That can’t be our excuse, but we have to improve defensively, especially from set pieces, where we conceded the equalizer.”
With the January transfer window now open, Aue may seek reinforcements to bolster their squad for the upcoming challenges as they prepare for their next match against VfL Osnabrück. The outcome against Hannover highlights the pressing need for improvement as Aue currently sits at seventh place and looks to regain their footing.
Hannover's victory not only boosts their confidence but also elevates them temporarily out of the relegation zone, demonstrating resilience against their rivals. Coach Daniel Stendel remarked, "It’s great for morale to start the year with three points; we’ll continue building on this momentum going forward." The match was witnessed by 1,636 spectators at Eilenriedestadion, with fans treated to a thrilling encounter.