Hannover had won just one of their last eight meetings with Mainz before the game, drawing four and losing three. Hannover were eighth before the start of play tonight.

Mainz’s 5-0 win over Paderborn on Matchday 18 was their biggest Bundesliga win in history. Before the start of play, Mainz were eleventh just one point ahead of Werder Bremen.

Hannover had the best chance of the first quarter of an hour when Liverpool target Lars Stndl played a brilliant 1-2 with Kiyotake, Stindl weaved into the space, he was one-on-one but his shot brilliantly saved by Karius.

However at the other end, Christian Clemens jinked left leaving the defender wrong-footed but his left footed shot was a standard save for Zieler.

The deadlock was finally broken twenty-six minutes in. Hannover's corner was punched to the edge of the box where Jimmy Briand was waiting, he side footed it into the empty net, Mainz players flicking legs out as a desperate attempt to clear.

At half time it was 1-0 to the hosts. Mainz created some chances in the game but not enough to test Zieler in goal, with the World Cup winner making some standard. However it was the home side who went in leading, Jimmy Briand’s goal was enough at that time.

Mainz pushed for their equaliser, Johannes Geis’ curling free kick rattles the post, Zieler was beaten all ends up. Before, the game was finally level again Johannes Geis sent the ball up field, Daniel Broinski latched onto the pass, Zieler saved his shot but Elkin Soto was at hand to tap into the empty net.

Hannover created chances to double their lead but they couldn’t put Karius in any real difficulty, Joselu burst to the by-line and cut back to Briand but he failed to add to his tally on the night.

FULL TIME Hannover 96 1-1 Mainz 05.

The final whistle was blew, Hannover remain in eighth, they’re just four points off the Europa League places but that gap could grow if fifth placed Augsburg, sixth placed Bayer Leverkusen and seventh placed Hoffenheim can pick up wins in their respective games.

Mainz are now just seven points off the European spots which they squandered earlier in the season. Hjulmand’s side go above Koln who are hosting Stevens' struggling Stuttgart tomorrow.

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