Hertha BSC ran Hannover 96 ragged as the Bundesliga's bottom side coasted to 3-0 win at the AWD-Arena.

Necessary changes at the back

Hannover 96 coach Andreas Bergmann had to change his central defence following the departure of Haggui to the African Nations Cup, and moved Schulz into midfielder due to Balitsch's suspension. The new pair of Eggiman and and new signing Durica deputised. Hertha welcomed back Kringe to the starting line-up as well as new signings Gekas and Kobiashvili.

The beginning...

After early chances for Ramos for Hertha Berlin and Bruggink for Hannover, it was Hertha who took a surprise lead, just as Hannover began to come more into game. After a corner from Rafael, the ball was only half cleared before it fell to Piszczek, who slammed the ball past Fromlowitz to make it 1-0 and 30 minutes.

Lead doubled

Hannover were shocked and Hertha took full advantage. After a poor clearance from Fromlowitz, Cicero slipped the ball to Ramos; the Columbian slotted the ball right of the oncoming Fromlowitz to put the away side 2-0 up on 33 minutes.

...of the end!

Following the goal, Hertha began to sit back and Hannover began to come back into the game. After half-time, it looked as if Hannover could get back into the game, but Hertha continued to hold firm. However, against the run of play, Ramos almost put the game beyond Hannover in the 55th minute; however the Columbian's chip from just inside the box did not fool Fromlowitz.

Fate sealed

Despite this, Hannover continued to have the run of the play in midfield, but were unable to really create any goalscoring opportunities. Subsequently, in the 80^th minute, Hertha sealed their victory. Eggiman was unable to stop Raffael, who set up Gekas to put Hertha 3-0 up, a goal on his debut for the side.

After 16 games without victory, it was a welcome win for Hertha in their fight against the drop, but Hannover will start to look anxiously over their shoulders after a seventh game without a win.

Hannover 96: Fromlowitz- Cherundolo (Rosenthal 54'), Eggiman, Durica, Djakpa, C. Schulz, Pinto, Rama (Hanke 66'), Bruggink, Stajner, Ya Konan (Schlaudraff 33')

Hertha BSC: Drobny- Piszczek, A. Friedrich, von Bergen, Kobiashvili, Lustenberger (Janker 73'), Kringe, Cicero, Raffael, Gekas (Domovchiyski 86'), Ramos (Wichniarek 90')

Goals: 0-1 Piszczek (30'), 0-2 Raffael (33'), 0-3 Gekas (80')

Referee: Peter Gagelmann (Bremen)

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