Stuttgart's European adventure was brought to an emphatic end by Barcelona, leaving them to turn their attention back to the Bundesliga.

The Swabians are currently 18 points adrift of the top three, making a return to the Champions League next season practically impossible.

However, only eight points separate them from the top five and, with eight games remaining, they are now aiming for a place in the Europa League.

"The will was there, but Barcelona showed us our limitations," said Gross after his side's 4-0 defeat in Catalonia.

"We have got to put this elimination behind us quickly and show our pride against Hannover.

"We have got to react as a team."

Pride has been shown in abundance by Hannover lately as they have won their last two matches to end a period without a victory which had dated back two last October.

But their coach Mirko Slomka realises that his side is not in the same category as Stuttgart's midweek rivals.

"We are not Barcelona," he said. "But that does not mean we have no chance in Stuttgart.

"We cannot afford to relax after our two wins."

His Hannover side need the points tomorrow to possibly move out of the bottom three.

Slomka has Hanno Balitsch back from injury while Arnold Bruggink should take the place of the injured former Stuttgart midfielder Elson.

Gross is hoping Serdar Tasci can recover from the groin strain which kept him out of the side on Wednesday, otherwise Georg Niedermeier will keep his place at the heart of the defence.