Schalke held as Nikci rescues Hannover

Adrian Nikci found the net with ten minutes to go for Hannover 96 as the hosts recorded a 2-2 draw with UEFA Champions League hopefuls FC Schalke 04 in their first outing of the new Bundesliga season.

Hannover also took the lead as Felipe headed them ahead on the cusp of half-time, but Schalke roused themselves after the restart and levelled through Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (52) before Lewis Holtby (64) gave them the lead. Huub Stevens' men could not preserve their advantage, though, and substitute Nikci restored parity just three minutes after entering the fray when he applied the finishing touch after Jan Schlaudraff had burst forward.