Schalke lose 4-1 to Wolfsburg in final home game of the season

04 changes – Mercan makes his first start

Head coach David Wagner made four alterations to the side that lost 2-1 in Frankfurt three days ago. Ahmed Kutucu, Nassim Boujellab, Timo Becker and Can Bozdogan (suspended) made way for Michael Gregoritsch, Rabbi Matondo, Daniel Caligiuri and Levent Mercan – his first ever Bundesliga start.

Weghorst puts Wolves ahead

The visitors were the better team in the opening 25 minutes and created a number of decent chances for themselves. They could have taken the lead after just seven minutes. Daniel Ginczek found himself in a great position after a one-two with Josip Brekalo, however his effort sailed over the crossbar from ten yards out.

The dangerous Brekalo then came close after 15 minutes, cutting in from the left. His curling shot was deflected by Weston McKennie over the bar. Wolfsburg then did go ahead a minute later. Ginczek couldn’t connect with Renato Steffen’s cross, but the ball fell to Wout Weghorst, who beat Alexander Nübel from close range.

Fifth yellow card for Kenny – Casteels denies McKennie

Wolfsburg continued to enjoy more of the play, although chances dried up for them in the remainder of the first half. Rabbi Matondo’s solo run was promising, however his shot was blocked by Michael Gregoritsch in an offside position (20’). The Austrian then headed wide from a Miranda cross a few minutes afterwards.

It was a hard-fought first half, with a number of tackles flying in. Referee Sascha Stegemann booked three Schalke players in a short space of time: Bastian Oczipka, Michael Gregoritsch and Jonjoe Kenny – meaning the English defender is now suspended for the last game of the season in Freiburg next Saturday. The Royal Blues’ best moment of the first period came right at the end. Caligiuri aimed a low corner at Gregoritsch and he gave it to Mercan. His shot fell to McKennie and he let fly inside the box. Casteels was able to hold the shot comfortably enough, so Wolfsburg went in 1-0 up.

Caligiuri can’t equalise – Wolfsburg add two quick goals

The Royal Blues came out of the blocks quickly in the second half. Caligiuri’s cross for Gregoritsch was too long in the 50th minute, while Caligiuri himself had a great chance shortly afterwards (54’). McKennie drove through midfield and gave it to Miranda, who put a ball across to Caligiuri. He took it past Roussilon and hit a powerful shot on goal, although Casteels was again on hand to save it.

The Wolves bagged a second goal just seconds after Caligiuri’s miss. Weghorst added his second after a Steffen assist. Things would quickly get worse for Wagner’s men as well. Arnold’s free kick went through to Ginczek and is shot hit the inside of the post and came out to Kevin Mbabu, who had an empty goal in front of him and therefore made it 3-0 (59’).

Victor scores for VfL, Matondo for S04

Wolfsburg had a fourth goal 10 minutes after their third: Substitute Joao Victor converted after Nübel’s punch from a corner (69’). Schalke did manage to pull one back immediately after conceding though. Ahmed Kutucu, who had come off the bench, fed Matondo and he scored a nice solo goal with a finish into the far corner past Casteels.

S04 continued to fight until the bitter end, creating half-chances for Raman (74’) and Caligiuri (83’), but they couldn’t find a second goal, meaning it ended 4-1 in the VELTINS-Arena.

Freiburg to end the season

The final game of the season is away at SC Freiburg next Saturday (27/6). Kick off in the Schwarzwald-Stadion is 15:30 CEST.