Hannover 96 produced a polished pre-season performance to defeat Dutch Eredivisie visitors PEC Zwolle 3-0 in an International Club Friendly on 1 August 2026. Playing in front of their home supporters, the German side controlled the tempo from the opening minutes and rounded off their preparations with an emphatic, clean-sheet victory.

Match overview

Hannover entered the match with clear attacking intent, pressing high and forcing PEC Zwolle into defensive mistakes. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when a well-worked move ended with a composed finish, settling any early nerves. From there, the hosts never looked back, doubling their advantage shortly after the interval with a strike that emphasised their sharpness in the final third.

PEC Zwolle, still in the early stages of their own pre-season schedule, struggled to build sustained possession in Hannover’s half. Despite enjoying a spell of pressure after the hour mark, the Dutch outfit were unable to test the home goalkeeper, who remained largely untroubled throughout the afternoon.

Key moments

• Opening goal: Hannover’s patient build-up paid off as a neat combination carved open the Zwolle defence.
• Second goal: A quick transition punished the visitors, with the finish applied with confidence.
• Third goal: Late substitute added gloss to the scoreline with a well-taken effort that capped a dominant display.

What it means for both sides

For Hannover 96, this result is a strong signal of readiness ahead of the new 2. Bundesliga campaign. The clean sheet and multiple goals will give head coach and supporters plenty of encouragement, particularly in attack and defensive organisation. Pre-season friendlies rarely offer a definitive gauge, but this was a professional, efficient showing that builds momentum.

PEC Zwolle will treat the defeat as a useful fitness exercise. Facing a physical, well-drilled German outfit is exactly the kind of test that reveals areas to sharpen before the Eredivisie season resumes. The scoreline may not have been ideal, but the experience against higher-intensity opposition has clear value.