Hannover 96 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen dropped out of the top five of the Bundesliga when they lost 1-0 to Hannover 96 on Saturday. Dutch striker Arnold Bruggink scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute. Leverkusen were tied on points with Wolfsburg but were ahead on goal difference, and this loss has seen them concede fifth spot to the Wolves.

Hannover were determined not to allow Bayer space in the attacking third of the pitch, and defended resolutely. Bayer skipper Simon Rolfes rued his side’s inability to break Hannover down.

Hannover took the lead through Bruggink in the 33rd minute, assisted by fellow striker Jan Schlaudraff.

Bruggink and former Leverkusen player Jacek Krzynowek both had opportunities to kill the game off in the second half, but were unable to do so.

Bayer’s best chance of the game came in the first half, when Hannover keeper Robert Enke had to produce an excellent save to deny Stefan Kießlin.

Toni Kroos also made his first appearance in a Bayer shirt, but even his presence could not stop Leverkusen from slumping to a defeat.