Hannover 96 II vs BSG Chemie Leipzig

Hannover 96 II, who finished sixth in the Regionalliga Nord last season, started brightly and tested Chemie's organisation from the first whistle. The visitors, managed by Alexander Schmidt, needed several minutes to adjust their pressing game to the hosts' passing rhythm.

Once they did, Chemie grew into the contest. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute. After a Chemie attempt was blocked inside the box, the ball fell to Anton Bulland on the edge of the area. His 18-metre shot took a decisive deflection off a Hannover defender and wrong-footed the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Chemie doubled their advantage four minutes before half-time. A swift counter-attack involving Valon Aliji released Rajk Lisinski down the flank. His driven cross found Elias Kratzer charging into the box, and the ball was turned into his own net by a Hannover defender under pressure — 2-0 at the break.

Schmidt made wholesale changes at half-time, prioritising defensive stability. The reshuffle allowed Hannover back into the game. From a corner in the 63rd minute, Chemie goalkeeper Florian Horenburg — standing in for the ill Marcel Bergmann — saved a looping header, but Hannover reacted first to the loose ball and scored from close range to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Three minutes later, Horenburg produced the save of the match, tipping a venomous free-kick out of the top corner to preserve Chemie's lead. The visitors then adjusted tactically, regaining control of midfield and creating several promising counter-attacks that lacked the final pass.

Anton Bulland opened the scoring with a well-struck shot from distance and played a key role in midfield as Chemie absorbed pressure. His goal was the decisive early moment that settled the visitors.

Florian Horenburg (Chemie Leipzig) — deputising for the ill Marcel Bergmann, the Chemie goalkeeper made important saves, notably a reflex stop from a header and a fingertip save on a free-kick in the 67th minute.

Rajk Lisinski — the winger was a constant threat on the counter, providing the dangerous cross that led to the second goal.

Player of the match: Anton Bulland.

Chemie's 2-0 half-time lead reflected two shots on target that both found the net — a deflected long-range strike and an own goal from a cross. The second half was a different story: Hannover had sustained pressure, particularly from set pieces, and created the better chances after the break. Chemie's organisation under pressure, rather than territorial dominance, was the decisive factor. The hosts' goal came from a second-phase corner situation, highlighting a pattern Chemie will want to tighten before the season starts.

Chemie Leipzig have now won all four of their pre-season friendlies since 24 June, building momentum ahead of the 2026/27 Regionalliga Nordost campaign. Their next — and toughest — test comes on Sunday 12 July when they host 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Magdeburg at the Alfred-Kunze-Sportpark for the season-opening event (kick-off TBC).

Hannover 96 II continue their pre-season programme against opposition yet to be confirmed as they prepare for the 2026/27 Regionalliga Nord season.

A professional away performance from Chemie Leipzig against a higher-division reserve side. The first-half display was sharp and clinical; the second half was a gritty exercise in game management. Alexander Schmidt will have learned plenty about his squad's depth with the 1. FC Magdeburg test looming.