S04 pick up a point on the opening day at Gladbach

Raman makes his Schalke debut

David Wagner make two changes to the side that defeated SV Drochtersen/Assel  5-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal last weekend. New signing Benito Raman, who missed out last time out due to an ankle injury, replaced Steven Skrzybski in the starting XI, thus making his competitive debut for S04. Weston McKennie also came into the XI for Suat Serdar, who was out with a small knee issue.

Plenty of tackles, but chances at a premium

Both teams started the game very aggressively and got stuck into the tackles, however there wasn’t much action in the final third for the fans in BORUSSIA-Park to enjoy.

The best chance of the first period fell to Benito Raman. After winning possession back in midfield, Guido Burgstaller played a delightful ball over the top to the Belgian, who was clear through one-on-one with Yann Sommer. The striker couldn’t connect with his shot properly and his effort flew well wide (27’).

Plea hits the post

The hosts took more control of the game at the beginning of the second period and they almost got their reward for that after 55 minutes. After a defensive error, Alessane Plea had a great chance to give the Foals the lead, but the Frenchman could only hit the outside of the post from close range.

The Royal Blues looked to claim back some of the control of the game, meaning that the second half also saw little action in the penalty boxes and plenty of battles in the midfield.

Gladbach’s next notable shot on target came from ex-Schalke man Raffael, who tested Alexander Nübel with a powerful long-range shot (77’). At the other end, Daniel Caligiuri fired just over the home goal, before Plea was denied again by the excellent Nübel (81’). Ultimately, both teams deserved their point from the game.

First home game against the champions

The Royal Blues’ next game is against the reigning champions FC Bayern next Saturday (24/8, 18:30 CEST) back in the VELTINS-Arena.