Marko Pjaca knows a thing or two about winning cups

Guido Burgstaller himself admitted that he initially had a different plan. “After I turned inside, I wanted to square it. However, the defender marked Marko Pjaca well so I had to go it alone,” said the attacker. His teammates were also full of praise for the goalscorer. “I had no idea that Burgi could dance so well,” joked Cedric Teuchert who knows Burgi from his time at 1. FC Nüremberg.

The assist-provider to the goal, Marko Pjaca, is delighted to have helped his side through to the semi-finals. The Croatian also went close on two occasions himself after his earlier assist. The Knappen created few chances following their initial flurry doesn’t bother Pjaca too much: “Wolfsburg really struggled with our pressing game in the first 20 minutes. After that, they understandably got a foot on the game.”

The game in the VELTINS Arena was tense until the very end. “Of course, I was fearful of a Wolfsburg equaliser. Shortly before the end, they had a good chance to do so,” reflected Christian Heidel. “All in all though, we kept VfL Wolfsburg at bay.  A 1-0 is always tight but it’s important to prove that we can win 1-0 in front of our own fans.” However, he went on to say how it’d be much more ideal, if the opportunities in front of goal were taken more clinically. Heidel stated: “We’re struggling a bit in that department of late.”

Marko Pjaca made it clear he intends to help Schalke reach the final. “In my career so far, I’ve won three domestic cups with Juventus and Dinamo Zagreb respectively. It was an amazing experience each time,” said the 22-year-old. He added with a smirk: “Maybe I’m a bit of a cup expert!”

On Sunday, it will be revealed who the Knappen will face in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals. “I don’t have an ideal opponent. I’d just like it to be a home game,” commented Heidel. Heidel then stopped before adding: “As I have already said, it doesn’t necessarily have to be Bayern Munich.”