The conditions for 1. FC Nürnberg to win against Hannover 96 were extremely unfavorable. The first 44 minutes were too. Then the “club” turned the game around in the 2nd Bundesliga – and ended a long series of 96.
Nuremberg turned a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 lead within five minutes of the game. Thanks to huge morale, it lasted until the final whistle and brought the Franconians out of striking distance of the relegation zone. Hannover once again failed to convert a lead into a win, but remains in fifth place in the table, four points behind the relegation zone. However, the away series is over: 96 had not lost abroad for ten games.
Nuremberg under pressure
There was a lot at stake in the last game of the year for 1. FC Nürnberg. Because after three games without a win, the relegation zone for the “club” had moved closer again. A threesome would also be an important signal for coach Miroslav Klose’s contract extension, which has been on the table for weeks. There was good news for Klose before the game. After missing eight players due to illness during the week, he “only” had to do without offensive mastermind Julian Justvan on match day – and midfield strategist Adam Markhiev, who was suspended. Two failures, but they were serious.
Opponent Hannover came to the Max Morlock Stadium with a series of four games without defeat. With a threesome, the Hanoverians would be within striking distance of the promotion places. “We’re going there and want to get three points”was the instruction from coach Christian Titz. He needs his team for that “This consistency in how we play against the opponent”.
Hanover dominates the initial phase
At least the guests started the game with this consistency. And thanks to help from the opposition, they had their first great chance. Luka Lochoshvili lost the ball in his own penalty area, which then went to Benjamin Källman. Nuremberg keeper Jan Reichert quickly and brilliantly cleared his somewhat unplaced low shot from seven meters with his left foot (6th minute).
96 clearly dominated the game in this initial phase, supported by the hosts, who often oriented themselves behind their own halfway line. Overall, a lot happened between the penalty areas. Until Reichert was once again at the center of events in the 16th minute. First he deflected Kolja Oudenne’s volley aside, then Boris Tomiak’s follow-up shot. A little later, the Nuremberg keeper had no chance: he was initially able to parry a header from Maurice Neubauer, but was powerless to stop Källman from point-blank range (19′). The Finn’s tenth goal of the season – nine of which he scored away from home.
Surprise compensation through Nuremberg’s Lubach
The technical superiority of the guests also led to clear conditions on the Nuremberg lawn. 62 percent ball possession, 5:2 shots on goal – a clear matter for the guests after a good 30 minutes. But as is well known, 96 has already given up a few points due to a lack of consistency. A few minutes before the break, Reichert saved his team from 0-2 when he parried Daisuke Yokota’s powerful shot from eleven meters (42′). And then what Hannover likes to happen happened: With the first real chance to score, Nuremberg’s Rafael Lubach equalized. After a run almost to the edge of the penalty area, he shot from 18 meters and the ball hit exactly in the right corner (44th). An absolutely flattering compensation at this point.
Nuremberg’s Zoma follows up with a class goal
But Nuremberg picked up where it left off. Mohamed Ali Zoma stormed up and away on the right side and then had the overview to flick the ball over goalkeeper Nahuel Noll at full speed – a great goal (49th). The “Club” now acted much more energetically and forcefully. Since Hannover also continued to look for the offensive, a varied, back and forth game developed. But in fact the hosts had largely bought into the spirit of the guests.
Passionate ones Final phase
Hannover’s Titz tried to provide an offensive impulse with a triple substitution. His Nuremberg counterpart Klose, on the other hand, strengthened the defense. Would the guests come back again? In the 88th minute, Luka Lochoshvili had the chance to make it clear for Nuremberg, but his header from a few meters went wide of the right post. In the passionate final minutes, no further goals were scored, Nuremberg celebrated three extremely important points.
Nuremberg against Elversberg, Hanover in Kaiserslautern
After the winter break, Nuremberg welcomes SV Elversberg on Saturday lunchtime (01/17/2026/1:00 p.m.). Hannover will be visiting 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Sunday afternoon (1:30 p.m.).