FC Twente crashed out of the Europa League following a goalless draw at already-qualified Group L leaders Hannover.

Steve McClaren's men bow out

FC Twente crashed out of the Europa League following a goalless draw at already-qualified Group L leaders Hannover. Steve McClaren's side needed to win and hope second-placed Levante failed to pick up maximum points at Helsingborg to have any real hope of progressing. Neither permutation was carried out, with Levante winning 3-1 to move a point behind Hannover, as Twente's stuttering campaign finally floundered with Rasmus Bengtsson's dismissal five minutes from full-time. Hannover coach Mirko Slomka had spoken about the need to finish top of the group, and avoid the Champions League teams in the last 32, in the lead up to the game but his side made an unsteady start. Bengtsson headed just over Ron-Robert Zieler's bar early on before Willem Janssen fired wide from 12 yards. Janssen again missed when well placed after Zieler easily held on from Felipe Gutierrez's long-range attempt. Hannover offered little in return with Jan Schlaudraff and Artur Sobiech wide of target before half-time. The Germans had been second-best for most of the opening 45 minutes but came out far stronger after the break. Sobiech drilled a 20-yarder past the left post on 56 minutes before Sergio Pinto failed to convert moments later from 12 yards. Adrian Nikci and Didier Konan kept up the home side's renewed force, but both were also unable to locate the target. Twente's hopes were evaporating and while Janssen forced Zieler into a good save the Dutch side were packing their bags moments later when Bengtsson saw red for a professional foul on Sobiech.