S04 lose the derby in Dortmund

Four changes to the starting XI

Head coach Manuel Baum made four changes to the team that drew 1-1 against 1. FC Union Berlin last time out. Benito Raman, Can Bozdogan, Steven Skrzybski and Vedad Ibisevic were replaced by Malick Thiaw, Rabbi Matondo, Amine Harit and Goncalo Paciencia, with Thiaw making first Bundesliga start. Ralf Fährmann, Suat Serdar and Mark Uth were out injured and Ozan Kabak was still suspended.

Rönnow denies Meunier

Schalke aimed to put Dortmund under pressure and break quickly once regaining possession in midfield. BVB built up pressure and had their first shot through Mahmoud Dahoud, although that was blocked by Salif Sané (10). Frederik Rönnow held an Erling Haaland effort, before the Dane made a strong save from a Thomas Meunier shot from close range (16’).

Paciencia shot blocked

After Rönnow’s strong hand, Schalke looked to break out of their own half more and start to attack. Matondo headed to Paciencia, whose shot was blocked by Manuel Akanji (25’). Maitja Nastasic headed the resulting corner towards goal and his effort was clipped over by Rabbi Matondo, who was in an offside position anyway (26’).

Dortmund had control of the first half though and also enjoyed the better chances. Dahoud hit the top of the bar from distance (31’), while a Giovanni Reyna header just went past the far post (37’). In between those chances, Oczipka had a shot on goal blocked after a good bit of play from Matondo (34’).

BVB get two early in the second half

The hosts took the lead thanks to a well-worked corner. Haaland gave it to Raphael Guerreiro in the box, his effort was parried by Rönnow and Akanji was quickest to the rebound. His 55th minute opener was then followed by a second goal just six minutes later. Jadon Sancho put Haaland through on goal, who chipped the ball over Rönnow from a tight angle (61’).

Hummels heads home to seal the win

Dortmund continued to create chances and dominate the game after taking a two-goal lead. Rönnow made an excellent stop from a powerful Haaland shot (68’), before Nastasic deflected a Reyna drive behind for a corner (69’). The third and final goal of the night came in the 78th minute for the hosts. Raphael Guerreiro’s corner was emphatically headed home by Mats Hummels to seal the three points.

Home game against Stuttgart up next

Schalke’s next game is at home to VfB Stuttgart next Friday at the VELTINS-Arena (20:30 CET).