S04 fight back to win 2-1 against VfL Bochum

Three changes to the starting line-up

Miron Muslic made three changes to his starting line-up, with Loris Karius returning in goal. Justin Heekeren, who had started between the sticks in the DFB-Pokal, was named on the bench. Ron Schallenberg was available for selection after having recovered from a thigh issue, and came into the side in place of Max Grüger. Adrian Gantenbein also came into the XI, with Emil Højlund dropping to the bench. Christopher Antwi-Adjei, who had started in the right fullback spot in the cup, moved to a more attacking position in midfield. New signing Finn Porath, who had joined the Royal Blues two days prior from Holstein Kiel, was part of the matchday squad for the first time.

Karius denies Vogt from the spot

The Schalke fans started the evening in style, with an impressive tifo celebrating their heritage as a club from the Ruhr Valley. The Royal Blues were able to create the first good opportunity on goal of either side, as Vitalie Becker was able to get off a shot following a throw-in from Antwi-Adjei (5’). VfL goalkeeper Timo Horn was able to punch his effort over the bar and away from danger.

Soon after, it was Bochum who went close as Philipp Strompf looked to chip the ball over Loris Karius. His attempt lacked some precision, however, and instead landed on the roof of the goal (8’). The visitors had settled into the match, taking control from the Royal Blues. Timo Becker then looked to place a low shot on target from around 25 metres out, but had to watch as his attempt went just wide of the post (17’).

The 23rd minute saw referee Frank Willenborg head to the screen to consult with the VAR, after being alerted to a potential handball inside the box by Hasan Kuruçay. After reviewing the footage, Willenborg pointed to the spot and awarded Bochum a penalty. Defender Kevin Vogt stepped up to take the spot-kick, but had to watch as Karius guessed correctly and punched his effort away from goal.

Following the penalty save, neither side managed to really break into the final third, as chances on goal were few and far between. The majority of the action was concentrated in the centre of the pitch, with Schalke going close once more just before the break. Antwi-Adjei chased down a long pass and found himself through on goal with only Horn to beat, but saw his effort parried by the goalkeeper.

Goals from Kuruçay and Lasme seal the win

The first shot in the second half came from the Royal Blues, as Schallenberg’s effort from range went just over the bar (47’). Seven minutes later, Horn was forced to come off his line again in order to deny Moussa Sylla from inside the box after the striker had gotten on the end of a pass from Gantenbein.

The deadlock was then broken in the 65th minute, as Philipp Hofmann laid the ball off for Mats Pannewig. The latter let loose a shot from the edge of the area which was initially parried back into play by Karius. The ball fell to Gerrit Holtmann, who placed his shot in at the near post to give Bochum the lead.

Schalke managed to find an equaliser in the 76th minute, as a corner-kick fell to Porath, who had been subbed on moments earlier. The new signing’s first-time attempt took a key deflection off teammate Hasan Kuruçay and bounced over the goalline. Just three minutes later, the Royal Blues were celebrating once again, as Bryan Lasme made it 2-1. The Frenchman made an instant impact following his substitution, getting on the end of a well-timed pass from Soufiane El-Faouzi before dropping his defender and smashing a shot into the back of the net.

The hosts continued to press as the match entered the final minutes. Vitalie Becker and Sylla both had efforts saved by Horn in the 86th minute. Schalke’s number nine then had another big chance just 120 seconds later, after Kenan Karaman managed to get the ball to Antwi-Adjei. Horn came rushing off his line, causing Antwi-Adjei to lay the ball off for Sylla. His shot was blocked at the last second by Colin Kleine-Bekel, denying Schalke a chance to add to their scoreline. The final whistle came just moments after, as the Royal Blues celebrated their second straight home win together with their fans.

Away in Dresden

Next weekend, the Royal Blues will travel to face Dynamo Dresden on Sunday (31/8, 13:30 CEST) at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The league will then head into the first international break of the season.