Speaking at the post-match press conference, Lucien Favre said it was a "difficult first half for us" and felt his side's second goal turned the tide in their favour. "It was easier for us after that," he explained. Here is what the coach had to say.

Lucien Favre on the balance of play:
"It was a very difficult first half for us. We struggled to create chances to score. Hannover performed well and showed great courage by pressing us very high up the pitch. It took us time to find the gaps. At the break we said that we needed to get the second as quickly as possible. It was easier for us after that."

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...on the historic haul of 48 points after 19 rounds of matches:
"That doesn't mean much to me. That's only a statistic. We'll enjoy the win today and then we coaches will be focused on the next game starting from tomorrow. We're heading into a series of English weeks starting with Frankfurt, Bremen and Hoffenheim. We're taking it game by game."

...on the importance of Axel Witsel:
"He shows the necessary composure, moves well, does the simple things. It's important for the team that the central midfielders sometimes get goals. It's good that he does that."

Hannover's coach André Breitenreiter said: "We put in a really good away performance in the first 60 minutes. We showed a real togetherness on the pitch, we were brave and we made it very, very difficult for the opposition. We pressed high and forced BVB to make many long passes. Unfortunately, their second goal was far too easy. The win was deserved, even if the margin of victory was too high."
Compiled by Boris Rupert