2-0 defeat against FC Copenhagen

Matriciani’s first game of pre-season

Thomas Reis used 23 players for the game in a sunny Kufstein – it was still 30 degrees when the game kicked off at 18:00 CEST. Henning Matriciani was involved for the first time in pre-season after missing the friendlies against SC Spelle-Venhaus (3-0) and 1. FC Bocholt (2-2) due to his extended holiday after playing for Germany U21s at the European Championship.

There was a familiar face in Copenhagen’s starting XI. Jordan Larsson, who initially joined them on loan from Schalke in the winter and recently signed for them permanently, was excited to see his former teammates and he wished them all the best for the upcoming season.

Two goals behind at the interval

The Danish side were on top early on in Austria and had the first chance of the game too. Diogo Goncalves headed wide from a corner after eight minutes. Marius Müller in goal was first called upon four minutes later, initially parrying Jordan Larsson’s shot before gathering it at the second attempt (12’).

Schalke grew into the game more against a side that had one more week of pre-season training behind them. Copenhagen’s goalkeeper Kamil Grabar was not put under any real pressure by the Royal Blues in the first half, despite several corners early on.

Diogo Goncalves found himself in behind the Schalke defence after 26 minutes, but Cedric Brunner got back to block his shot and Marius Müller comfortably saved his rebound. Shortly afterwards though, the striker got the better of Schalke’s goalkeeper. He was clean through on goal after a nice one-two with Lukas Lerager and the Portuguese forward slotted it past Müller for 1-0 (35’).

The Danish champions doubled their lead four minutes after going ahead. Roony Bardghji curled in a free-kick from the edge of the box with his left foot, meaning Copenhagen led 2-0 at half time.

Three chances for Idrizi

Thomas Reis made 11 changes for the second half and the fresh legs helped S04 change the momentum of the game. It took just four minutes for Schalke’s first shot after the break, with Kosovo international Blendi Idrizi dragging a shot just wide from 15 yards out (49’).

The midfielder came even closer in the 52nd minute. Keke Topp challenged the goalkeeper for a high ball and managed to tee up Idrizi once the ball came down. He took his shot first time and hit the crossbar. Idrizi had a third opportunity moments later, hitting the side-netting after Simon Terodde let the ball run through to him (55’).

FC Copenhagen rarely threatened the Schalke goal after the break, with Reis’ side instead looking the more likely team to score. Keke Topp had a good opportunity with 65 minutes on the clock, but couldn’t get a clean connection on Tobias Mohr’s delivery to the back post and his shot therefore went over the bar from a few yards out.

Copenhagen had their first shot of the second half in the 72nd minute right after a drinks break, though Oskar Hojlund’s effort went wide. At the other end of the pitch, Mehmet Can Aydin fired just over the bar from the edge of the area (79’). There were few notable moments in the last 10 minutes, as the temperature continued to take its toll on the players. As a result, Schalke couldn’t get what they deserved after a strong second-half performance against a club that will be playing Champions League football again this season.

Another game in Mittersill

FC Schalke 04 will play another friendly at the end of the training camp in Mittersill on Saturday (15/7). The opponents at the Waldstadion are Polish first-division side Gornik Zabrze. Kick off will be at 15:30 CEST.