2-0 win over Freiburg sees S04 level club record

Two changes to the starting XI

Domenico Tedesco made two changes to the side that won in Wolfsburg before the international break. Max Meyer and Amine Harit were replaced by Franco di Santo and Breel Embolo in the starting line-up.

Naldo with best chance of first half

The Knappen took control of the game from the off. The visitors sat deep and were tough to break down. Schalke had a couple of half-chances through Caligiuri and Burgstaller but both were saved with relative ease.

The Royal Blues dominated the shot count but failed to create chances with were clear-cut. The best chance of the half fell to Naldo whose header from Bastian Oczipka’s cross whistled wide of the near post. The sides went into the break all square as the game lost its initial high tempo.

Caligiuri and Burgstaller make difference

Initially, the second half was as close as the first with the majority of action happening in the midfield. Schalke did have a moment of fortune as Freiburg’s Vincent Sierro hit the post. The chance set the game alive as, minutes later, Breel Embolo was fouled in Freiburg’s penalty area. Daniel Caligiuri too the spot-kick and converted coolly to put Schalke in front against his former side.

Shortly after the opener, the visitors self-destructed. Nils Petersen was given his marching orders after receiving two yellow cards. The Knappen used the extra man to their advantage in the 73rd minute. Guido Burgstaller was set free by Nabil Bentaleb and finished with aplomb. Guido’s goal put the game beyond any doubt and Schalke saw out a crucial 2-0 win.

Patience is rewarded

As has been the case in recent weeks, the Knappen had to be patient for long periods of the game but their waiting game was successful once again. After the opening goal, Schalke opened up Freiburg and made sure the three points were staying at the VELTINS Arena.

Next up for Domenico Tedesco’s side is a trip to Hamburg. The clash with relegation threatened Hamburg takes place at 18:30 CEST next Saturday at the Volksparkstadion.