3-1 defeat in Paderborn

Lasme and Karaman return from injury

Interim coach Matthias Kreutzer made three changes to the team. Bryan Lasme made his comeback after several weeks on the sidelines to replace Yusuf Kabadayi on the right wing in a 4-2-3-1. Assan Ouédraogo came in for Lino Tempelmann in central midfield.

The other alteration saw Tomas Kalas make his first start for the club. He took Timo Baumgartl’s place in defence, with Baumgartl temporarily with the U23s for disciplinary measures. Kenan Karaman also returned from injury in the second half, coming on in the 74th minute.

Former Schalker gives Paderborn the lead

Schalke started the brighter of the two teams by knocking the ball about nicely and pressing the hosts when they had possession. This resulted in S04 having the first notable chance of the game, a header from Ron Schallenberg that was easily held by his former teammate Jannik Huth (6’).

It took the hosts until the 16th minute to threaten Schalke’s goal, however they very nearly took the lead with this opportunity. Sebastian Klaas’ cross from the left wing was headed against the crossbar by Adriano Grimaldi. Paderborn took control of the game after Schalke’s positive start and this header was the start of a good period for them.

Michael Langer was called into action properly for the first time in the 26th minute, saving an effort from Klaas after Florent Muslija crossed for him. Although the shot was close to him, it was still a decent save due to the Austrian being unsighted.

There was little action in either penalty box for the remainder of the first half, until SC Paderborn managed to take the lead on the stroke of half time. Former Schalke striker Felix Platte headed past Langer from a Klaas cross to give the home team the lead (43’).

Muslija at the double

Schalke were dealt another blow at the start of the second half. Adriano Grimaldi fell to the ground after some slight contact by Cedric Brunner, albeit enough for referee Timo Gerach to point to the spot. Muslija stepped up and hammered the ball just under the bar for 2-0 (53’).

Schalke did their best to find a way back into the game, but couldn’t find gaps in the solid Paderborn defence. As S04 pushed men forward, the home side were able to find more and more space in the final third. Substitute Niclas Nadj drove forward with the ball and played it to Muslija, who then curled it into the far corner for his second and his team’s third of the night (76’).

Michael Langer did well to prevent a further Paderborn goal three minutes before time, denying Sirlord Conteh’s effort with his legs. In a rare positive moment for the Royal Blues, Yusuf Kabadayi was able to score his first goal for the club in the ninth minute of injury time. He fired a shot past Huth from a tight angle, and so it ended 3-1.

Hertha at home

S04 are back at the VELTINS-Arena next Sunday (8/10) after two consecutive away games. Hertha BSC are the visitors for a 13:30 CEST kick off.