Schalke lose 1-0 in Freiburg

Six changes to the team

Cedric Teuchert, who signed from 1. FC Nürnberg in the last winter break, was awarded his first ever start in the Bundesliga, replacing Mark Uth in the starting XI. There were five other changes to the team that lost 2-0 to FC Bayern München. Hamza Mendyl, Suat Serdar, Nabil Bentaleb, Yehven Konoplyanka and Amine Harit came in for Naldo, Alessandro Schöpf, Sebastian Rudy, Weston McKennie and Franco Di Santo.

An offside goal and two shots hit the post

A positive start by the Royal Blues was almost rewarded after five minutes, with Teuchert putting the ball in the back of the Freiburg net. Unfortunately, the video assistant advised referee Frank Willenborg to rule the goal out for offside. Marco Terrazzino then had a good chance after 10 minutes for Freiburg, blazing over from the edge of the box.

The crowd saw a game where both teams wanted to remain tight at the back; with both teams being restricted to long-range shots for the majority of the first half and both keepers remaining relatively untroubled.

The guests then came close to taking the lead after 41 minutes. After a Yehven Konoplyanka pass, Hamza Mendyl burst into the box and saw his shot crash off the far post. There was a sense of déjà vu when Daniel Caligiuri’s free kick on the stroke of half time also hit the far post, with Salif Sané only inches away from reaching it and giving Schalke the lead.

Niederlechner scores for Freiburg

Freiburg were the more dominant team after the break. Just like Schalke in the first half, they had the chance to take the lead at the beginning of the half, however the outcome was different this time. Florian Niederlechner’s goal was not chalked off. The forward poked home from close range after Ralf Fährmann could only parry Christian Günter’s shot.

The visitors needed a few minutes to grow back into the game, however Freiburg made it very difficult. The home side tightened up at the back after taking the lead and then brought on defender Philipp Lienhart for attacker Florian Niederlechner. The Royal Blues failed to create any clear openings inside the box as Freiburg defended resolutely, and held on for the victory.

The week ends with a home game

The Royal Blues don’t have long to wait until their next match. They will 1. FSV Mainz 04 on Saturday (29/9) at 15:30 (CEST) in the VELTINS-Arena. Tickets are still available for the game.