Berlin, March 2 (IANS) Andre Schuerrle's hat-trick helped Wolfsburg to crush Hannover 4-0 in the Lower Saxony football derby while Ingolstadt and Cologne shared the spoils at the opener of the 24th round in Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg on Tuesday showed no mercy with last-placed rivals Hannover, who suffered the 17th loss of the season. Schuerrle has large shares on the victory after providing the first three goals.
The "Wolves" took the initiative from the kick-off on the road yet Hannover created the first threatening chance through Kenan Karaman, who tested Wolfsburg custodian Koen Casteels with a low shot into the bottom right after 15 minutes played.
It remained the only notable chance for the hosts as Wolfsburg took complete control as the match progressed. Julian Draxler came close before Schuerrle overcame his goal-drought to open the scoring with a shot into the far post corner at the 36th minute.
Hannover were unable to respond whereas Wolfsburg continued their relentless run on the host's goal. As a result, Schuerrle doubled the lead with 15 minutes into the second half. Hannover failed to clear the ball following a corner kick, giving the German international the opportunity to slot home with a drop kick into the near post corner.
The "Wolves" weren't done with the scoring as Schuerrle wrapped up his hat-trick three minutes later after utilising a clearance to volley home the 3-0 lead. Wolfsburg's third goal took the wind out of Hannover's sails allowing Julian Draxler to add his name to the score sheets in the 69th minute.
With the result, Hannover suffered the fifth straight loss on home soil to remain in the bottom of the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Wolfsburg continue on the eighth place, one point adrift of the European competitions.
Elsewhere, the game between newly promoted Ingolstadt and Cologne ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Lukas Hinterseer broke the deadlock for the hosts before Cologne's Anthony Modeste restored parity to snatch one point on the road.
Both teams stay on their previous positions. Ingolstadt stay on the ninth place and Cologne remain on the 10th place.
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