As usual I got the train from Bückeburg. Although I have a ticket for first class, I couldn't get to it as it was blocked with racaus Möchengladbach fans.
There were many fans on the train. The Hannover fans were all wearing Hannover shirts. The Möchengladbach fans were all wearing Möchengladbach shirts and singing songs, mostly containing the words, "Borussia" and "Möchengladbach". And yet the woman opposite me on the train asked someone if Hannover were playing at home. When he replied in the affirmative she then asked "Against who?". Some people!!
As I took my place in the stadium, the sun was beating down, the Gladbach fans were in good voice.
The game was poor, well, from a Hannover point of view. Gladbach played the ball around very nicely, the front two of Mike Hanke (ex Hannover) and Mo Idrissou causing problems.
Pinto picked up a silly yellow card after 35 minutes. The Hannover midfield were apalling, giving the ball away far too easily through Jan Schlaudraff and the usuall reliable Sergio Pinto.
The usually reliable Pinto
It was only thanks to our keeper, Zieler, that we went in 0-0 at the break. From Manchester United reserve to Bundesliga regular in a few months is impressive. Probaly why Schalke are sniffing around as a replacement for Manuel Neuer when he leaves for Bayern (or Manchester United if you believe the tabloids).
In the 76th minute, Marco Reus waltzed throught the non-existent Hannover defence and hit a screamer from 30 yards that left Zieler with no chance. A deserved lead and a few minutes later, man mountain Idrissou hit the bar with a towering header.
The final whistle was a relief, as it was painful to see Hannover play so badly. Two games left, Stuttgart away and Nürnberg at home. Bayern beat Schalke 4-1 to retain 3rd place and I think it will be hard to knock them off of their perch now. Still, Europa League guaranteed for us next season, and after a final day survival to stay in the Bundesliga last season, no one could have predicted such a season.
Congratulations to Borussia Dortmund who won the Bundesliga for the 7th time in their history and to QPR who return to the Premier League.
One of the sucess stories of the season, goalie
Ron-Robert Zieler
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