Hannover avoid third-straight defeat in draw with Stuttgart

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:37 am

Niclas Fullkrug's penalty ensured Hannover avoided suffering a third straight defeat as they clinched a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart, who ended their losing run on the road.

Hannover had come unstuck at high-flying Leipzig and lowly Werder Bremen in their two most recent Bundesliga fixtures and it seemed their woes would continue when they fell behind on Friday night.

Christian Gentner's fierce drive from outside the area was spilled by Philipp Tschauner, allowing on-loan Arsenal forward Takuma Asano to score on the rebound in the 24th minute.

But the hosts served notice of their intent after the interval when Salif Sane's shot struck a post and they were firmly in the ascendancy as the game entered the final third.

They were rewarded for their endeavour in the 76th minute when Matthias Ostrzolek was fouled in the area, allowing Fullkrug to slot home the resulting penalty.

Stuttgart held on to secure their first away point in the league since April 2, having suffered nine straight defeats on the road.