4-1 cup win over Schweinfurt

Eight changes to the team

Manuel Baum made eight changes to the side that drew 1-1 against VfB Stuttgart last Friday. Kilian Ludewig, Malick Thiaw and Matija Nastasic were the only survivors, while Ralf Fährmann made his return from injury in goal after going off injured on matchday 3 in Leipzig. Benjamin Stambouli was named as captain.

Two quick S04 goals after going behind

Schweinfurt started the game with real confidence and had a number of chances early on, the best falling to Kristian Böhnlein, whose header hit the side-netting from the back post after a corner (4’).

Schalke took a while to get into the game and it took 26 minutes until the ‘away side’ had their first chance of the game. A low Mendyl cross found Vedad Ibisevic at the back post, however the Bosnian couldn’t get proper contact on it. The veteran striker had another shot five minutes later, which was deflected over the bar.

The first goal of the night came after 37 minutes – and not for the Bundesliga side. Sascha Marinkovic played in Martin Thomann and he curled the ball past Fährmann from 15 yards out. Schalke, however, reacted well and found an equaliser less than 120 seconds after going behind. Steven Skrzybski slipped in Ibisevic and the attacker slotted home to make it 1-1. The Royal Blues managed to take the lead before the break as well. Skrzybski hit the bar from close range and Alessandro Schöpf was on hand to score the rebound (44’).

Fährmann saves from the spot, Schöpf scores again

The start of the second half was quieter than the end of the first, with Schalke assuming control without being too dangerous. Schöpf had a powerful shot well saved by Schweinfurt keeper Luis Zwick in the 58th minute as S04 looked to seal their place in the second round.

Schweinfurt had a huge chance to equalise in the 72nd minute though. Salif Sané was penalised for a foul on Adam Jabiri and Amar Suljic stepped up against Ralf Fährmann. Ralle guessed the right way and ensured S04’s lead was intact with a great stop.

Benito Raman couldn’t defeat Zwick moments later (77’), but Schöpf was on the scoresheet again with nine minutes to play. The Austrian international scored from the edge of the box to all but secure Schalke’s passage to the next round. There was still time for Raman to get his first goal of the season with a low finish, the assist coming from Schöpf.

Draw on Sunday

The draw for the second round will take place on Sunday (8/11, 18:30 CET). FC Schalke 04 are back in league action the day before, away to last-placed 1. FSV Mainz 05 (15:30 CET).