S04 lose opening pre-season friendly 2-1 in Gütersloh

Adamu and Tanaka make first S04 appearances

Junior Adamu and Satoshi Tanaka both featured for the first time in Schalke colours in front of 4,259 fans at the NRG24 Stadion im Heidewald. Miron Muslic used a total of 24 players against last season’s fourth-placed side in the fourth division, changing his entire line-up at half time.

Alongside the club’s two summer signings, former U19 captain Luca Vozar was also included after earning promotion to the first-team squad. U23 centre-back Magnus Rösner was handed a brief run-out, while the Royal Blues donned their new third kit, which had been officially unveiled just a few hours ahead of kick-off.

Hosts strike on the cusp of half time

Both sides looked to hit the front from the get-go. Luca Vozar tried his luck with a free kick from around 30 yards, but his effort caused FCG goalkeeper Tim Matuschewsky little cause for convern (4’). Fewer than 60 seconds later, Loris Karius was called into action at the other end. Former Schalke U23 striker Niklas Frese got a shot away following a counter, but the Royal Blues keeper gathered comfortably.

Moussa Sylla went close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute. The forward was able to latch onto the end of a pass from Adamu but could only find the left-hand post. Furthermore, the assistant referee subsequently raised his flag, meaning the goal would not have counted either way. The chance nevertheless marked the point at which Schalke took control of proceedings. Matuschewsky denied Vozar’s first-time effort on the run after 15 minutes before reacting sharply again soon afterwards, turning Sylla’s close-range volley behind for a corner following a cut-back from Adrian Gantenbein.

As has become familiar for spectators of the World Cup, play in Gütersloh was briefly halted for a drinks break midway through the first half. It took a while for the next meaningful opening to arrive after the restart. Sylla was mere inches away from making contact with a cross delivered by the lively Vozar towards the six-yard box on 28 minutes. Five minutes later, Adrian Gantenbein curled an effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post from the right side of the area.

Miron Muslic was forced into his first change shortly before half time. Hasan Kuruçay pulled up holding his left thigh and left the pitch following brief treatment, with U23 defender Magnus Rösner replacing him. Just as the first period appeared to be heading towards a goalless conclusion, Gütersloh took the lead in stoppage time. Erik Lanfer launched a long throw into the box from the left, where Julius Langfeld rose to glance a header into the far corner.

Aouchiche converts late free kick

As was announced ahead of proceedings, Miron Muslic made wholesale changes for the second half, introducing 11 pairs of fresh legs. Schalke immediately increased the tempo and Adil Aouchiche received a good opportunity to equalise in the 49th minute, cutting in from the left edge of the box before firing narrowly wide of the right-hand post. The attacking midfielder threatened again shortly afterwards, meeting a Lasme cross from the right at close range and forcing Matuschewsky into an excellent save (54’).

The Gütersloh goalkeeper was not required 10 minutes later. Aouchiche’s corner from the right made its way through to Satoshi Tanaka, whose attempt was deflected into the side netting. The hosts had made seven substitutions shortly beforehand. Janik Bachmann then had a promising chance just before the second-half drinks break but sent his shot over the crossbar from 16 yards after exchanging passes with Aouchiche.

Gütersloh had offered very little going forward for much of the half yet doubled their lead in the 74th minute. Paolo Maiella, who had only recently entered the game, capitalised when Kevin Müller misplaced a pass while attempting to restart play quickly. The forward was left with the simple task of rolling the ball into the empty net.

The home team’s substitute goalkeeper Roman Schabbing then produced a fine save in the 83rd minute, reacting well to an Anton Donkor header to prevent Schalke from pulling one back. The Royal Blues did eventually find the net in stoppage time. Aouchiche curled a superb free kick into the left-hand corner from a central position, just outside the box.

The final chance fell to the hosts. Gütersloh were awarded a penalty following a foul on Maiella, but Knappenschmiede youth academy graduate Phil Beckhoff was denied from the spot by Kevin Müller.

Friendly vs. Aue before squad head off for training camp

Schalke’s next friendly will take place away to FC Erzgebirge Aue at 14:00 CEST on Sunday (19/07). After facing the side relegated from the 3. Liga, the squad will travel directly to the Stubai Valley for a week-long training camp.