Hannover 96 opened their 2026 pre-season campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Regionalliga side Phönix Lübeck at the Heinz von Heiden Arena on July 7. The friendly encounter served as an important early fitness test for the 2. Bundesliga club, with head coach Stefan Leitl fielding a mix of experienced regulars and emerging talents.

Match Overview

The contest, played in warm summer conditions, saw Hannover dominate possession from the outset. Phönix Lübeck, a fourth-tier side from the northern Regionalliga Nord, defended deep and looked to hit on the counter. The first half was largely one-sided, with Hannover creating several clear-cut chances before finally breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark.

After the interval, Hannover continued to press forward, adding two more goals to put the result beyond doubt. Lübeck managed a consolation strike late on, but the Reds controlled the rhythm throughout the 90 minutes.

Key Moments

• 29th minute – 1-0: Midfielder Enzo Leopold collected a loose ball 25 yards out and fired a low drive into the bottom corner, giving the Lübeck goalkeeper no chance.
• 52nd minute – 2-0: Winger Louis Schaub cut inside from the right flank and curled a delightful left-footed shot into the far top corner after a quick one-two with Nicolò Tresoldi.
• 67th minute – 3-0: Substitute striker Havard Nielsen latched onto a through ball from Sebastian Ernst and slotted calmly under the advancing keeper.
• 81st minute – 3-1: Phönix Lübeck pulled one back when a quick free kick caught Hannover’s defence off guard, allowing striker Jannik Löhden to prod home from close range.

Tactical Approach

Hannero 96 operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick ball circulation and wide overloads. The full-backs, especially left-back Derrick Köhn, pushed high to support the attacking line. Leitl’s side pressed aggressively after losing possession, forcing Lübeck into several errors in their own half.

Phönix Lübeck manager Lukas Pfeiffer set his team up in a compact 4-4-2 block, aiming to absorb pressure and release runners in behind. Although they struggled to create clear chances for most of the match, their organisation improved in the final quarter, leading to the consolation goal.

Standout Performers

• Enzo Leopold (Hannover 96): The central midfielder dictated play from deep, completing over 90% of his passes and scoring the opening goal with a composed finish.
• Louis Schaub (Hannover 96): The Austrian winger was a constant threat down the right, providing width, an assist, and a stunning individual goal.
• Nicolò Tresoldi (Hannover 96): The young forward held the ball up well and linked play effectively, earning an assist for Schaub’s goal.
• Jannik Löhden (Phönix Lübeck): The centre-forward worked tirelessly without much service but took his late chance well to record a consolation strike.

Pre-Season Context

For Hannover 96, this friendly was the first of four pre-season fixtures scheduled before the start of the 2026-27 2. Bundesliga season. The club finished 10th last term and is aiming for a promotion push under Leitl in his third full season in charge. The performance offered encouraging signs, particularly the attacking fluidity shown in the first hour.

Phönix Lübeck are preparing for their Regionalliga Nord campaign, where they hope to challenge for a top-half finish after a solid 2025-26 season. Despite the defeat, the exposure to higher-level opposition will be valuable for their squad development.

Friendly results are often deceptive, but Hannover 96 will take confidence from a professional display that blended sharp finishing with defensive solidity. The next test comes against Dutch side FC Twente on July 14.