Hannover enjoying the thrill of the chase

Hannover 96 were already certain of second place in UEFA Europa League Group B, but a 3-1 win against FC Vorskla Poltava was still a relief for a side who had gone six games without a win in all competitions. Captain Altin Lala, deputising for rested skipper Steven Cherundolo, was excited at the prospect of Friday's knockout stage draw.

Altin Lala, Hannover midfielder
We were already through to the next round before this game and we have once again performed well and scored three more goals. Now we can look forward to Friday's draw and see who awaits us. We will be well prepared for any opponent. I hope we can stay in the Europa League for as long as possible − it's a lot of fun.

Konstantin Rausch, Hannover midfielder
Of course, I would like to have put away the penalty, but we won 3-1, I scored a goal and we fulfilled our plan for the match. It was important for us and our fans to get the win and that was the only thing that mattered.

Sofian Chahed, Hannover defender
I would love for us to draw Manchester United in the next round because you don't often get the chance to play a team like that in a competitive match.

Mykola Pavlov, Vorskla coach
For the first time in the tournament, I wasn't nervous at all, because before the game I had decided not to yell at anybody making mistakes on the pitch. We have to admit that at UEFA Europa League level we were punished for every mistake we made, and I'm very glad that we have had such a priceless experience. Now we are all tired and really want to have our winter break.