S04 defeat VfL Osnabrück in the new away kit

The friendly took place at SV Quitt Ankum’s ground – a place in between Herzlake and Osnabrück. No fans were allowed to attend due to the ongoing pandemic. Schalke wore their new away kit for the first time, which is available to buy – as well as the home and third kits – on store.schalke04.de.

Stambouli makes his comeback

After almost ten months out, Benjamin Stambouli made his return from injury as he started the match. Amine Harit and Suat Serdar, who both missed the final stages of last season, were also back involved. Head coach David Wagner made 11 changes at half time. 22 players featured, including Bastian Frölich, Jonas Hofmann and Mika Hanraths from the academy. Hanraths had also trained with the side in Herzlake over the past few days.

Kabak scores the opener

The Royal Blues were on top in the opening stages of their first pre-season friendly. VfL looked to defend well and press high. The first moment of note came in the 11th minute, when Rabbi Matondo hit the post. Ozan Kabak, however, went one better 04 minutes later, beating Osnabrück goalkeeper Philipp Kühn with a long-range shot to register the first goal of the new season.

The second-division side almost equalised immediately though. Former S04 academy player Sven Köhler was denied by Ralf Fährmann. ‘Ralle’ was on hand again against Maurice Multhaup moments later, another former Knappenschmiede player (20’).

The next opportunity for a goal took a while – after the drinks break that came in the 30th minute. Rabbi Matondo fired a shot over the Osnabrück bar five minutes before half time.

Skrzybski scores twice

The new-look team, which took to the field for the second period, had reason to celebrate right away. Steven Skrzybski had the ball in the back of the net less than 60 seconds after the restart. The striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf, benefitted from an error by the Osnabrück keeper. Philipp Kühn’s pass went straight to Skrzybski, who didn’t need a second invitation to score.

Osnabrück pulled one back in the 55th minute. Bryan Hennings converted from a Heider assist. Benito Raman saw his effort saved at the other end (58’), before the Belgian assisted Skrzybski for his second of the night on the hour mark.

Alessandro Schöpf registered Schalke’s fourth goal of the match, with the Austrian’s shot going through the keeper’s legs (67’). Can Bozdogan provided the assist. VfL’s Etienne Amenyido then had a strike go over, as did Ahmed Kutucu. The Turkish international did get his goal 60 seconds before the final whistle to seal a 5-1 win.

Friendly vs. a third-tier team

Schalke’s next pre-season friendly is on Saturday (15/8) against newly promoted 3. Liga team SC Verl. The game will take place in Gelsenkirchen – the club will provide more details closer to the time.