Lars Stindl claimed a 1-1 draw for Hannover as Stuttgart missed the chance to claim a vital win in their battle to avoid relegation on an afternoon when both sides finished with 10 men.

Hannover enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, but struggled to create clear chances, despite Leon Andreasen going close with an early long-range effort which drifted just over the crossbar.

Stuttgart improved as the match progressed, but they had Sven Ulreich to thank for heading into the break level after the visiting goalkeeper tipped Joselu's powerful effort wide.

It was Stuttgart who broke the deadlock with the first chance of the second half as Christian Genter capitalised to win the ball after Hannover had missed the chance to clear, and he took full advantage by firing past Ron-Robert Zieler.

The visitors enjoyed an extended spell on top after taking the lead, but their inability to find a second goal cost them as Hannover equalised through Stindl, who poked home after Joselu had headed the ball into his path.

Both sides pushed for the win in the closing stages, but it was the referee who took centre stage late on as he sent off both Stindl and Martin Harnik when the two clashed off the ball.