Soccer

Hannover and PSV stroll through

Europa League review: A second-string Hannover celebrated their progress into the knockout stages of the Europa League with …

Thu Dec 15 2011 - 00:00

Europa League review:A second-string Hannover celebrated their progress into the knockout stages of the Europa League with a home win over Vorskla.

With their place in the next round already assured, Hannover boss Mirko Slomka rang the changes and watched his reshuffled team ease to victory against Group B's bottom side.

First-half goals from Konstantin Rausch and Didier Konan sent the Germans on their way and, while Roman Bezues pulled one back just before half-time from the penalty spot, Artur Sobiech sealed the win 12 minutes from time.

Hannover were even able to afford a second-half penalty miss from Rausch as they finished group runner-up behind winners Standard Liege.

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Standard Liegeposted a workmanlike victory over a toothless FC Copenhagenside in their Group B dead-rubber at Parken Stadium.

Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal of the game as Standard underlined their status as top dogs in the group with their fourth win from six unbeaten games, while for the hosts the defeat was typical of a campaign in which they have consistently failed to deliver.

Both sides came into the match with their fates sealed - Standard as winners of Group B and Copenhagen cemented in third place and heading out of the tournament.

Hapoel Tel Avivgot the better of a dead-rubber against Legia Warsawdespite losing Gal Shish's to a red card, ensuring they finished third in Europa League Group C.

With neither side able to qualify for the round of 32, the only question to settle was which of the sides propped up the table and goals from Salim Toama and Avichai Yadin made sure it would not be the hosts.

Shish was shown a second yellow card after 63 minutes with the score at 1-0, but Hapoel did not let that prevent their victory.

Late goals from Stanislav Manolev and Tim Matavz ensured PSV Eindhovenfinished the group stage unbeaten with a 2-1 victory over Rapid Bucharest.

PSV's fine form had already ensured them top spot in Group C ahead of the final round of matches while the visiting Romanians had no hope of catching second-placed Legia Warsaw.