Sebastian Polter scores in a 1-1 draw with FC Augsburg

First appearances for Kabak and Harit

Head coach Frank Kramer opted for a 4-4-2 formation against the Swabians. Ozan Kabak made his first appearance of pre-season. The Turkish defender, who spent last season on loan at Norwich City in the Premier League, played the first 45 minutes. Amine Harit also featured. He came on for the second half after returning from his loan at Olympique Marseille.

S04 with the better chances in the first half

Schalke started well in their new away kit, coming close after just two minutes. Sebastian Polter headed a Rodrigo Zalazar corner wide. Shortly afterwards, Zalazar fired one towards goal. That effort was blocked (4’).

Following these two early bright moments, the Royal Blues didn’t have any chances for a while in a physical game. FCA’s first opportunity came after 17 minutes. Andre Hahn was in a dangerous position in the box, however Tobias Mohr and Ozan Kabak combined to deny him a clear shot on goal and his effort clipped the outside of the post.

The majority of play came in the centre of the pitch in the first half. There was time for two chances before the break, however. Ozan Kabak tested out Rafal Gikiewicz with a close-range header (39’) and then Simon Terodde also hit the outside of the post with his attempt (42’).

Harit pass starts the move for Polter’s equaliser

FCA took the lead nine minutes into the second half. Felix Uduokhai initially headed a corner towards goal, but the ball rebounded back to the centre-half and he smashed it past Alexander Schwolow, leaving him with no chance.

Schalke almost found an immediate response through Maya Yoshida, however the Japanese defender couldn’t connect with Zalazar’s whipped free-kick at the far post. Sebastian Polter then cleared the bar with a shot on his left foot (58’).

S04’s number 40 made up for that in the 78th minute with the equaliser. A fantastic ball from Amine Harit got Henning Matriciani in behind and he squared it across the box to Polter, who simply tapped into an empty net to make it 1-1.

Both teams had chances to win it late on. FCA substitute Maurice Malone narrowly struck one wide (84’) and then Amine Harit was in behind for S04. The Moroccan’s shot was parried wide by Tomas Koubek and it therefore ended in a draw.

The two sides will meet in the Bundesliga on matchday 8 at the VELTINS-Arena.

Final friendly in Enschede

Before the new season starts with the DFB-Pokal first-round tie at Bremer SV at the end of the month, Schalke will play FC Twente away from home on Friday (22/7) at 20:00 CEST.