In what was a crazy game at the SGL Arena, a Lars Stindl double was enough to take Hannover clear of the relegation zone with just one game left to play.

Augsburg's shock win over Bayern Munich pushed them even closer to securing an historic spot in Europe. Raul Bobadilla's goal secured a 1-0 win and Markus Weinzierl's men were given a further boost by Tobias Werner's return to the starting eleven for Alexander Esswein (benched).

Hannover's winless run in 2015 continued, having failed to win a single game in the Rückrunde. Leon Andreasen replaced Manuel Schmiedebach (muscular problems), knowing that they had to start picking up the wins to go with improved performances under Michael Frontzeck.

Knowning what was at stake, it was perhaps unsurprising that the two sides began in such a cagey manner. The visitors rarely ventured forward, though Abdul Rahman Baba's crossing was threatening to provide a way through for Augsburg.

However, just like the weekend before, Hannover struck with their first chance of the game. Lars Stindl was once again the goalscorer, coming on to Jimmy Briand's clever flick to pass the ball into the bottom corner. Stindl's ninth goal of the season was further evidence that he, as captain, was desperate to drag his team away from safety before he left in the summer.

That joy was short lived and Augsburg equalised within six minutes. Baba broke down the left and drew a foul from Hiroki Sakai; the Japanese defender pleaded his innocence, though Felix Zwayer had no choice but to point to the spot. Paul Verhaegh stepped up and confidently chipped down the middle, putting any memories of last week's miss out of his head in the best possible way.

Hannover, to their credit, didn't let their heads drop and continued to push forward. Briand was proving to be a real hassle and his bicycle kick very nearly brought the visitors back in front before the break.

Augsburg very nearly had the dream start to the half and Bobadilla's volley went just inches from completing the comeback for the home side. They were made to rue that miss too, as Stindl struck again. Briand was the architect again, driving in a cross to the Hannover captain's feet. He slid the ball past Marwin Hitz, which sent the away end into rapture.

The hosts felt they should have had a penalty for an Edgar Prib handball, though Zwayer remained unmoved. Miiko Albornoz then rattled the bar with a cross-cum-shot and Hitz did well to halt Hiroshi Kiyotake, in what was a breathless second-half. Sakai was treading on thin water after his early yellow and there was little surprise, or complaints, when he picked up a second booking after fouling Werner.

Verhaegh also was sent off at the death, as he too got booked for a second time. Bobadilla also got a straight red card for a pointless push late on, in what was a very bad tempered end to the game.

It didn't matter in the end, however, as Hannover held on for their first win of 2015. They moved clear of the relegation zone, while Augsburg now need just a point to secure a Europa League berth for next season.