Brosinski rescues point for Mainz

Goals: 0-1 Weydandt (12’), 1-1 Brosinski (pen, 86’)
Red card: Sorg (90’+7)

There was a frenetic start to proceedings at the Opel Arena as Jean-Philippe Mateta tested goalkeeper Michael Esser early on with a header, but then Hannover enjoyed a good spell in attack as Takuma Asano set up Hendrik Weydandt, who flashed wide, before the roles reversed when the Japan international blasted over from a cutback. The visitors were, however, rewarded for their endeavours as Weydandt swept home his third of the season after a deflected cross from Genki Haraguchi. Mainz looked to react immediately as Pierre Kunde blazed over from 18 yards after Esser parried, and had an appeal for a penalty against Pirmin Schwegler turned down.

The hosts continued to push throughout the second half and came close when Danny Latza’s driven effort from 25 yards struck the base of the post and bounced away to safety. Hannover had one moment of relief from their defensive duties when Asano broke forward on the break and could have put the visitors two goals to the good, but he was denied one-on-one by Robin Zentner. Mainz, however, were awarded a penalty late on when Mateta was clipped in the box, and Brosinski calmly tucked the ball away past Esser to level the scores. Substitute Anthony Ujah thought he had won it for Mainz four minutes into injury time when he headed home a long diagonal ball, but the goal was ruled out by VAR. Oliver Sorg was shown a second yellow in the seventh minute of injury time as he looked to prevent a late Mainz winner.

• Weydandt is Hannover’s top scorer this season alongside Bobby Wood and Ihlas Bebou (all 3).
• Seven of Hannover’s 16 goals this season have come from crosses – a league high.
• Mainz have scored all of their last 22 penalties in the Bundesliga. Only Bochum have managed a longer run (24).
• The 05ers had 24 efforts on goal, which was the most in a Bundesliga game under Sandro Schwarz.
• Hannover keeper Esser has saved more shots (54) than any other keeper in the Bundesliga, although his side still have the division's third-worst defence with 29 goals conceded.

Mainz: Zentner – Brosinski, Bell (c), Niakhite, Martin – Gbamin, Kunde (Ujah 58’), Latza (Onisiwo 82’) – Boetius (Maxim 58’), Mateta, Quaison
Unused subs: Huth, Donati, Hack, Öztunali
Out: Adler (knee), Müller (ankle), Mwene (knee), Berggreen (muscle), Holtmann (teeth)
Coach: Sandro Schwarz

Hannover: Esser – Sorg, Anton (c), Wimmer, Ostrzolek – Asano (Elez 75’), Schwegler (Bakalorz 70’), Walace, Haraguchi – Füllkrug, Weydandt (Wood 90’)
Unused subs: Tschauner, Albornoz, Fossum, Muslija
Out: Bebou (hamstring), Hübers, (knee) Prib (knee), Sarenren Bazee (concussion)
Coach: Andre Breitenreiter