2-2 draw in friendly against FC Aarau

Four players rested

Schalke’s cooperation with Aarau was announced in late June of this year, with the aim being for both clubs to provide young players with opportunities to earn match practice at a suitable level in order to promote their development. The friendly between the sides was also agreed upon at that time, and held to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Stadion Brügglifeld. 

The Royal Blues took a 20-man squad with them to Switzerland. Kenan Karaman, Moussa Sylla, Tobias Mohr and Amin Younes did not travel with the squad, as the quartet were being rested. Justin Heekeren and Christopher Antwi-Adjei missed out due to injury, leading to several changes to the starting line-up. Paul Seguin and Janik Bachmann made their comebacks after being out injured, while Lino Tempelmann was also able to make his return to the starting XI.

Højlund nets rebound off fierce effort from Tempelmann

As the rain continued to pour down in Aarau, it was the hosts who were able to get off to the better start. After just 10 minutes, Yannick Toure was able to get off a shot at goal from inside the box, which was blocked by S04 goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann. The rebound fell to Mamadou Fofana, who went on to bury the opener from close range (10’). 

The Royal Blues recovered well from the setback, as Bryan Lasme twice came close to netting an equaliser. First, he sent a header just over the crossbar (17’), before meeting his match against goalkeeper Andreas Hirzel in a one-v-one. 

Schalke eventually saw their efforts rewarded, as Tempelmann took aim after winning the ball at the edge of the box. His shot crashed off the underside of the crossbar, before rebounding into the box. It fell favourable to Emil Højlund, who reacted quickly to bring the Royal Blues level (37’).

Schallenberg heads in

The hosts were able to find the back of the net for the second time shortly before the break, as a cross from Nikola Gjorgjev found Colin Odutayo inside the box. The striker only had to stick out his foot to regain the lead for his side (42’).

Van Wonderen made four changes at the break, as Ron Schallenberg, Max Grüger, Martin Wasinski and Adrian Gantenbein were subbed in. Both sides struggled to create chances for themselves, however. As the match entered into the final 20 minutes of play, Derry John Murkin stepped up to take a corner, delivering it perfectly onto the head of Schallenberg. His header sailed into the back of the net, bringing the Royal Blues level for the second time (74’). Schalke thought they had scored the winner in the closing stages, as Murkin’s free kick was turned in by Wasinski. The goal wouldn’t stand, however, as the lineman’s flag had gone up. In the end, the two sides couldn’t be separated as the match ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Preparing for Hannover 96

The Royal Blues embarked on the trip home to Gelsenkirchen after the game. They will be back in action on matchday 9 of the Bundesliga 2 season, as they travel to take on Hannover 96 (19/10, 13:00 CEST).