Simon Terodde shoots Schalke to victory in Sandhausen

Churlinov, Flick and Latza return to starting XI

Mike Büskens made three changes to the side that was defeated 4-1 against Werder Bremen last week. Dominick Drexler, who missed out through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card in the defeat, was replaced by Darko Churlinov. Danny Latza made his return to the starting XI for the first time after injury in place of Victor Pálsson, while Florian Flick came in for Malick Thiaw, who hadn’t trained as much during the week as a result of foot pain. Ko Itakura returned to central defence alongside Marcin Kaminski, while Florian Flick took his place in defensive midfield.

Terodde with the best chance of the first half

The travelling Schalke fans fired their team on ahead of kick off and made the game at the BWT-Stadion am Hardtwald feel like a home fixture. The fans nearly had more reason to cheer after just ten minutes, when Simon Terodde won the ball but Darko Churlinov’s cross into the middle was just inches away from finding Marius Bülter.

Moments later, Terodde came closer to opening the scoring. After a great pass through the defence from Marcin Kaminski, the Schalke number 9 shot from close range but was denied by Sandhausen goalkeeper Patrick Drewes (19’). Two follow-up efforts from Bülter and Rodrigo Zalazar were each blocked. Five minutes later, Drewes was called into action again, getting down to push Zalazar’s long-range free kick round the post.

The home side didn’t offer much in attack during the opening half an hour and S04 goalkeeper Martin Fraisl was rarely called into action throughout the whole first half. At the other end, his opposite number Drewes was able to enjoy a quiet end to the half. The goalkeeper was on hand however to deny Terodde on the stroke of half time after the forward looked to turn home a square ball from Marius Bülter.

Terodde scores second-half brace to secure all three points

The first chance of the second half fell Schalke’s way, Kerim Calhanoglu’s effort from around 16 metres causing problems for Drewes, but the home side were able to clear in the end (49’). At the other end, Sandhausen’s half-time substitute Christian Kinsombi came close in what was his side’s best chance of the game so far. He managed to get into the box at the left side of the area but pushed his effort across goal and wide of the far post (58’). Eleven minutes later, the home side got into a similar position but Martin Fraisl made no mistake with the shot.

With 71 mintues on the clock, the ball was finally in the net and the Royal Blues in the lead. Marius Bülter dummied a ball and Darko Churlinov picked up possession, cutting inside and curling a shot goalwards. The ball hit the woodwork and bounced clear, only to be turned in by Simon Terodde from close range.

Sandhausen found their response and had their captain to thank for levelling the scores in the 83rd minute. Dennis Diekmeier volleyed home from inside the area after Alexander Zhirov flicked on Alexander Esswein’s cross.

60 seconds before the end of regular time, Simon Terodde had the chance to put his side back in front but his first-time shot went narrowly wide of the post. During the three minutes of added time however, the 34-year-old found himself in the right place at the right time to turn home Blendi Idrizi’s low cross from the byline and put Schalke ahead with just minutes to go. Things took an unpleasant turn with the game drawing to a close. Alou Kuol went in late on Thomas Ouwejan and was shown the red card.

Back at home against St. Pauli

FC Schalke 04 will take on FC St. Pauli in their final home game of the season at the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday (07/05, 20:30 CEST). Eight days later, the Royal Blues will end the regular season on Sunday afternoon away at 1. FC Nürnberg.