Hannover qualifies for Europa League playoffs

Bundesliga football club Hannover defeated Irish team St. Patrick’s Athletic 5-0 on aggregate to qualify for Europa League playoffs.

Hannover wrapped a 3-0 away win in the first leg to set the stage for an easy 2-0 victory in the second leg in front of a home crowd Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Both sides made a slow start in front of 24,500 spectators at AWD Arena. St. Patrick’s showed no interest in turning things around as they defended deep in their own half while Hannover failed to take control.

Against the run of play, St. Patrick’s defender Conor Kenna hit the bar with twelve minutes into the match to shock the hosts.

Hannover opened the scoring through defender Karim Haggui in the 32nd minute.

After the interval, Hannover remained in control of the match and doubled the lead two minutes into the second half. Hannover defender and Swiss international Mario Eggiman nodded home a cross, after coming as a substitute eight minutes earlier.