Schalke down Hannover 3-1 in German Bundesliga

The "Royal Blues" clinched the first win after five winless games in row thanks to a 3-1 victory over Hannover at the opener of the 15th round in Bundesliga on Friday.

Hannover suffered the ninth loss of the season as Schalke scored three second-half goals by courtesy of Johannes Geis, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Franco di Santo in front of 61,229 spectators at Veltins-Arena.

Schalke dominated the game at the first against harmless visitors from Hannover. Despite many promising opportunities for the "Royal Blues", Hannover were able to take a goalless draw into the break.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock with six minutes into the second half as Marcelo floored Klaas Jan Huntelaar inside the box, allowing Johannes Geis to slot home from the penalty spot into the bottom left corner.

Hannover lacked in penetration meanwhile the hosts doubled the lead after Klaas Jan Huntelaar volleyed home May Meyer's pinpoint cross into the box to end a two-game goal-drought at the 73rd minute.

However, the visitors from Lower Saxony reduced the arrears to score their consolation through Allain Saint-Maximin eight minute later before Schalke substitute Franco di Santo made the game safe following a header with eight minutes remaining.

"We struggled to overcome Hannover's defense in the first half. In the second half we piled on the pressure and made use of our opportunities. I am delighted for those who scored today," Schalke coach Andre Breitenreiter said after the game.

With the result, Schalke jump from the 8th to the 4th place for the moment whereas Hannover remain on the 14th place in the table.

The following fixtures are scheduled for Saturday: Monchengladbach clash with front-runner Bayern Munich, third placed Wolfsburg encounter runner up Dortmund, Hamburg face Mainz, Cologne see Augsburg, Berlin host Leverkusen and newly promoted Ingolstadt meet last placed Hoffenheim. Endit