2-0 win over VVV-Venlo

Ouwejan makes his comeback

Thomas Ouwejan, who has been out recently with an adductor issue, was named in the starting XI. His teammate on the other side was fellow Dutchman Steven van der Sloot from the U23s. Two more youngsters from the U23s, Joey Müller and Sidi Sané, were also named in the side, though the pair have been with the first team on a number of occasions already this season.

Kelsey Meisel started as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Four more academy players – Tim Albutat, Ngufor Anubodem, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Mattes Hansen – all came for the second half.

Terodde and van der Sloot score before the break

U19s player Kelsey Meisel had the first shot of the game against the side currently fourth in the Dutch second division, though his effort inside the box was blocked (8’). It took 16 minutes for the first goal at the Parkstadion. Tobias Mohr’s cross from the left wing was brilliantly volleyed in by Simon Terodde from a few yards out to make it 1-0.

Right-back Steven van der Sloot doubled Schalke’s lead just a few minutes later. He drove forward with the ball and then struck it past Venlo goalkeeper Lukas Zima from just outside the area (22’). Schalke continued to search for further goals on a windy afternoon in Gelsenkirchen. Terodde was just inches away from getting on the end of a Mohr delivery in the 29th minute, while S04’s number 9 had a goal ruled out for offside shortly afterwards (30’).

It took a while for the visitors to threaten Alexander Schwolow’s goal. His first save was from an Özcan Yasar effort in the 37th minute, in an otherwise quiet first half for the keeper.

No third goal for Schalke

Thomas Reis made six changes for the second half, including the introduction of Michael Frey, who found the back of the net just three minutes after coming on, however the flag went up for offside. Fellow substitute Mattes Hansen had the next decent opportunity, but Zima made an excellent save to fish his header out of the far corner (60’).

Schalke took their foot off the gas after around an hour, but still remained solid in defence. Niklas Tauer hit the bar from a Mohr corner with a quarter of an hour left to play (76’).

Tobias Mohr’s left-footed shot was well saved by Lukas Zima from close range (84’), before Michael Frey low effort was held by the visiting goalkeeper two minutes later in what was the final notable moment of the day.

Home game against Bayer Leverkusen

Schalke return to league action next week against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday (1/4, 15:30 CET) at the VELTINS-Arena. The players who are currently on international duty will be back, as well as those who were rested for this match against Venlo.