Ramlingen / Ehlershausen vs Hannover 96

Titz rang the changes at half-time, replacing nine of the ten outfield players — only Mhango remained on the pitch. The wholesale refresh maintained 96's intensity into the second period. Benjamin Källman nodded just wide before turning provider for Gindorf's first from close range (57'). Ramlingen struck the woodwork through Schmidt (60'), and Gindorf hit the crossbar from a free-kick two minutes later, but the gulf in class told.

• Lars Gindorf — the returning winger scored a perfect second-half hat-trick (right foot, left foot, header) and also hit the crossbar. His movement in behind stretched Ramlingen's tired defence repeatedly.
• Stefan Teitur Thordarson — two composed finishes in five first-half minutes, plus an assist for the opening goal. Unlucky not to complete his own hat-trick before the break.
• Taycan Kurt — the newly-signed U-national team player marked his second appearance with a goal from close range (70') after Stähler had saved Gindorf's initial effort.
• Benjamin Källman — the Finn provided a crucial assist for Gindorf's opener in the second half and was a constant aerial threat.

The 7-0 scoreline reflects an entirely one-sided contest — Ramlingen's best chances were a near-miss header and a shot against the post, while Hannover struck the woodwork three times themselves. The 96 head coach rotated his entire outfield at half-time, meaning no 96 player completed 90 minutes, yet the goals continued to flow. Over two pre-season friendlies, Hannover have now scored 13 goals (7 today, 6 in Wednesday's 6-1 win at TSV Pattensen).

Hannover 96 have won both pre-season friendlies so far, scoring 13 goals in the process. Titz gave valuable minutes to several squad players including newcomers Thordarson and Kurt, while managing the workloads of key men. Notably absent were Benedikt Pichler (calf knock from the end of last season), Husseyn Chakroun (shoulder surgery), and Waniss Taibi, Kolja Oudenne, Daisuke Yokota, Yunus Ünal and Mustapha Bundu, who were all rested for load management.

Ramlingen, who play in the lower regional tiers of German football, competed gamely in spells but were ultimately outclassed by a professional side two leagues above them. They have now lost all four recorded meetings with Hannover 96 by an aggregate score of 0-16.

Hannover 96 face 1. FC Phönix Lübeck on Tuesday 7 July at the Eilenriedestadion (14:00 kick-off), their third pre-season outing.

A routine pre-season workout for Hannover 96, executed with professionalism and without injuries of note. Gindorf's hat-trick provides a timely reminder of his quality as the squad builds towards the new Bundesliga season. Ramlingen showed spirit but were outmatched by a side operating at a level well above their own.