S04 lose at home to Bayer Leverkusen

Competitive debut for Langer

Michael Langer made his competitive debut for Schalke in goal. The experienced keeper has been at the club since August 2017 and was in the starting eleven as both Frederik Rönnow and Ralf Fährmann are out injured. Head coach Manuel Baum made three further changes to the team that played the last game in Mönchengladbach. Benjamin Stambouli, Nassim Boujellab and Bastian Oczipka replaced Matija Nastasic, who was missing due to a stomach bug, Matthew Hoppe and Kilian Ludewig.

Controversial opener for the Werkself

Leverkusen, unbeaten this season, started the game well. Leon Bailey had the first chance after five minutes, but he hit the side-netting. Benito Raman then led Schalke’s first attack, but his pass was intercepted and couldn’t find Mark Uth in the penalty area.

After ten minutes, a Bailey corner was headed into his own goal by Malick Thiaw, but the defender was being held by Aleksander Dragovic. Nonetheless, the goal stood. Both the referee and VAR determined that no foul had been committed – a controversial decision!

The Werkself had a few more good chances after taking the lead. Michael Langer was there to prevent a second goal, and a few shots went wide. At the other end, Nassim Boujellab had the ball in the net, but his celebrations were cut short as Mark Uth, who set up the goal, had been stood in an offside position. Omar Mascarell had another chance for the Royal Blues just before half time, but Lukas Hradecky was able to save his deflected effort.

Skrzybski misses penalty

Leverkusen had the first chance of the second half. Michael Langer leapt and saved Amiri’s free kick from 20 metres in the top left corner (50’). After that, the Royal Blues had some chances of their own; Benito Raman’s effort following a counter attack went narrowly wide of goal from 16 metres. Moussa Diaby’s shot, meanwhile, was saved by Michael Langer (58’).

The debutant was on hand again to save an effort from Julian Baumgartlinger, turning the ball just past the post (66’). But the subsequent corner did find its way past Langer; Julian Baumgartlinger headed Leon Bailey’s set-piece home (67’).

Soon after, Schalke had a big chance to get back in the game. Daley Sinkgraven fouled Suat Serdar in the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot. Steven Skrzybski’s spot kick was saved by Lukas Hradecky. The ball rebounded to Benito Raman, but his header was easily saved by the keeper (72’).

Patrik Schick then put the game to bed in the 78th minute. The Czech Republic international scored from 14 metres, with Amiri getting the assist. It finished 3-0.

S04 in action again on Sunday

The Royal Blues’ next match is against FC Augsburg. Manuel Baum’s old club welcome Schalke at 15:30 CET on Sunday (13/12). The next home game is on Wednesday 16th December (18:30 CET) against SC Freiburg.