Hannover 96 Misses Direct Promotion Chance After Dramatic 3-3 Draw with Preußen Münster

Hannover 96 experienced a significant setback in their Bundesliga promotion aspirations after a thrilling 3-3 draw against bottom-placed Preußen Münster at the Heinz von Heiden Arena on May 3, 2026. The match, played in front of a passionate, sold-out crowd of 49,000, was marked by dramatic momentum swings and a last-gasp equalizer that denied Hannover a vital victory.

Preußen Münster took an unexpected 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Imad Rondic in the 25th minute and Shin Yamada in the 39th. Hannover responded resiliently with two stoppage-time goals from Mustapha Bundu to level the score 2-2 by halftime. Stefan Teitur Thordarson put Hannover ahead 3-2 in the 85th minute, raising hopes of a crucial win that would have propelled them into a direct promotion spot in the 2. Bundesliga, especially with rival SV Elversberg winning their match.

However, in a dramatic finale, Münster's Jorrit Hendrix scored the equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time. The result left Hannover frustrated, as they missed a key opportunity to leapfrog into automatic promotion places. Preußen Münster, despite their last-place standing and intense pressure to avoid relegation, showcased determination and resilience, highlighted by goalkeeper Nahuel Noll's remarkable double save denying an earlier late equalizer attempt before Hendrix's goal.

Hannover's head coach Christian Titz had previously emphasized the importance of this fixture, noting the growing excitement and pressure among players and supporters to secure promotion after seven years outside the Bundesliga. Both teams created several chances throughout the match, but ultimately the draw underscored the fiercely competitive nature of the league.

With this result, Hannover remains just outside the direct promotion spots and will have to rely on future matches to secure their Bundesliga return, while Preußen Münster continues their fight to avoid relegation in a nail-biting end to the season.