Hannover edge past Hoffenheim

Hannover have defeated Hoffenheim 1-0 at home in the Bundesliga.

The home side made the breakthrough in the eighth minute when Mame Biram Diouf headed home Szabolcs Huszti's cross from close range.

Takashi Usami could have restored parity for Hoffenheim on 15 minutes had his effort not been saved by Ron-Robert Zieler, who also denied Kevin Volland midway through the first half.

Zieler continued to make the saves for Hannover, as he kept out attempts from Tobias Weis on two occasions during the remainder of the first 45 minutes.

Both sides continued to exchange chances in the second half, Eugen Polansk and Roberto Firmino coming close for the visitors and Huszti and Diouf trying for Hannover.