Ken Islo scored seven minutes from time to earn Dusseldorf a narrow win over Hannover at the Espirit Arena.
Dani Schahin put the home side ahead five minutes before the break after meeting an incisive pass from Leon Balogun.
Hannover responded after the break and drew level when Mame Biram Diouf latched onto a Manuel Schmiedebach cross to tuck home.
With the match drifting towards a draw, Ilso curled home a free kick from range to earn Dusseldorf three important points in the final Bundesliga match before the winter break.
Hannover had little time to respond but carved out a chance for Diouf, but the striker was stopped in his tracks as the offside flag was followed by the full-time whistle.
