Grp B: Hannover 0-0 S. Liege

Jan Schlaudraff's shot which hit the bar late in the first half was as close as either side came to a goal in a match desperately short on chances.

The Germans, playing in Europe for the first time in 19 years, failed to repeat the performance which knocked out Sevilla in the play-off round as Standard got the draw they clearly came for.

Hannover coach Mirko Slomka claimed before the game this was a meeting between the two favourites in the group, but there was precious little on offer to worry FC Copenhagen or even pool minnows Vorskla Poltava of Ukraine.

The Bundesliga side, to their credit, made all the running and went close in the ninth minute when Manuel Schmiedebach headed Schlaudraff's cross over the bar.

Mohamed Abdellaoue also fired a weak shot high for the Germans before they carved out the game's only clear-cut chance, former Germany forward Schlaudraff's effort from the left side of the area coming back off the bar.

Both sides were desperately lacking in creativity, though, with the visitors content to sit back and soak up the little pressure Hannover applied and the hosts restricted to hopeful efforts from around the area.

Even those they struggled to get on target.

Steve Cherundolo's shot was held by goalkeeper Sinan Bolat and Schlaudraff's attempt early in the second half went over the top.

Standard finally threatened in the 71st minute when Mohamed Tchite fired wide.

That was a rare moment of adventure from the visitors, though, and they had Bolat to thank for keeping them on level terms two minutes later when the goalkeeper tipped Didier Konan's effort from the edge of the area around the post.

Bolat was the visitors' most impressive player and he had to be alert to deal with Konstantin Rausch's inswinging corner from the right at the death, but in truth neither side deserved to win a dismal contest.