Schalke ease past Hannover, Leverkusen held
Sunday, April 8, 2012
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FC Schalke 04 bounced back from their UEFA Europa League exit to beat Hannover 96 3-0, while Bayer 04 Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Hamburger SV.
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FC Schalke 04 bounced back from UEFA Europa League disappointment against Athletic Club with a 3-0 victory at home to Hannover 96, who were also knocked out of Europe in midweek. In the day's other game, Bayer 04 Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Hamburger SV.
Raúl González got third-placed Schalke off to the perfect start on six minutes before doubling their advantage with his 14th goal of the campaign two minutes into the second half. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then took his tally for the season to 24 to seal Schalke's 12th home victory of the campaign and move Huub Stevens' side to within nine points of leaders Borussia Dortmund.
In Hamburg, Mladen Petrić's penalty five minutes before the break gave HSV hopes of just a third home win this term, but André Schürrle struck ten minutes into the second half to lift Leverkusen up to sixth, while leaving the hosts in 14th.
