Schalke were in trouble, but suddenly had the chance to take the lead themselves in the 13th minute. Top scorer Simon Terodde failed from close range at the cleverly positioned Ron-Robert Zieler in the goal of the guests.
96 sleeps, Itakura scores to make it 1-0
Hannover remained the team with the better playing system, but the chances to score became fewer. Kerk shot a corner kick right at the near post after 32 minutes, otherwise it was a goalless first half. Which came to nothing as 96 practically begged for a goal in the 42nd minute. The defensive work was practically stopped and the Japanese Itakura took advantage of a confusion in the 96 defense after a Schalke corner kick and shot in from close range to make it 1-0.