Simon Terodde: That’s what a striker is for

With half-time approaching, and the scores still deadlocked, it was Terodde who was involved in winning Schalke’s first penalty of the season, in their 28th match. “I was certain that it was a penalty. Even if the referee hadn’t given it, VAR would have stepped in,” said Terodde.

The leading goalscorer in Bundesliga 2 made no mistake from the spot, sending Dresden goalkeeper Kevin Broll the wrong way and burying it in the bottom right corner. “Mentally, it was a really important goal for us just before the break,” said Terodde, who quickly followed it up with a second after the change of ends. Once again, it was Dominick Drexler who was involved, as he sent in a cross from the right flank. Terodde connected with a textbook header, as Broll wasn’t able to tip it over the bar. “All I had to do was stick my head out, after a good cross from Drex,” said the striker.

Terodde averaging a goal every 100 minutes

It was his 21st goal of the season, and his seventh header – both league bests in 2021/22. “We won the last two games, without me scoring. I was obligated to deliver today,” said Terodde, who also offered a critical analysis of the first half, saying the team should have played “much better football.”

Terodde has scored multiple goals on five occasions this season, helping seal the team’s third consecutive victory under head coach Mike Büskens. “That’s what a striker is there for, to help guide the game in the right direction,” said Terodde, who is currently averaging a goal every 100 minutes in 2021/22.

With a 2-0 lead in hand, the Royal Blues were able to take control of the game, although Dresden were able to make things tense again the closing stages, after Paul Will cut the deficit in the 70th minute. “Anything can happen in those final seconds. A win is always nicer when you’re able to see it through,” said Terodde, who will be able to enjoy the weekend before preparations begin for next weekend’s match against Heidenheim. “The stadium was rocking against Hannover just like it was in Dresden – that’s the reason why we play football,” the striker said with a grin. “Next week, we have a home game in front of 60,000 fans where we will be looking to pick up another three points.”