Schalke defeated in Trofeo Antonio Puerta

On Friday (22/3), Schalke lost 2-0 against Spanish side Sevilla in the annual Trofeo Antonio Puerta despite a strong performance. Roque Mesa opened the scoring for the home side in the 31st minute before Munir El Haddadi’s penalty 19 minutes from time sealed the game at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Antonio Puerta passed away in 2007

Sevilla and Schalke 04 first crossed paths around thirteen years ago when the two sides met in the semi-final stage of the UEFA Cup. The Spanish side prevailed in the tie, with the deciding goal being scored by Antonio Puerta in the second leg. Just over a year later, the midfielder suffered a heart attack during a match against FC Getafe and tragically died five days after.

In order to pay tributes to the Spaniard, FC Sevilla have hosted the Trofeo Antonio Puerta since 2008, a friendly match held once a year. Schalke were invited to take part in this year’s commemoration, and the two sets of fans have always enjoyed a friendship since the European cup ties of 2006. This friendship was present once again today, as Spanish fans greeted the travelling supporters with applause and welcomed the hundreds of Royal Blues who had made the trip from Germany.

Play stopped in the 16th minute

Both teams, which were far from full strength, due to international fixtures and injury problems, and while likely spurred on by the atmosphere, perhaps did not want to take big risks in their game. Sevilla may have initially looked like the dominant force, but they did not have S04 up against the wall by any means.

The atmosphere was moving as referee Mario melero Lopez brought play to a half in the 16th minute to commemorate Antonio Puerta, who wore the number 16 for his club. Former teammates, including his captain Javi Navarro, laid flowers pitchside during the pause, as did Royal Blue coach Gerald Asamoah, who was part of the Schalke team in the 2006 fixture.

Teuchert unlucky, Roque Mesa scores

And so it went – S04 had the first good chance of the game around the 25 minute mark. After a pass from Mark Uth, Cedric Teuchert had an effort at goal, but it did not beat Sevilla keeper, Lucho, who was well positioned to stop the shot. A lay-off to Sebastian Rudy might have been the better option, as the midfielder was open and would have been able to stroke the ball into an open net.

The hosts then improved shortly after, and a precision pass from Ibrahim Amadou was met on the volley by Roque Mesa, who struck the ball from roughly nine yards out to give Sevilla the lead (31’). Shortly thereafter, Teuchert missed an opportunity for an equaliser. After a cross from Sascha Riether, the U21 international was unable to reach the ball and get Schalke back on level terms. Even Mark Uth was out of luck during the game. He was ruled out for offside after Rudy played him in for a golden opportunity. Sevilla were once again a threat thereafter. In first-half injury time, Amadou had a shot from 12 yards just about turned over the bar.

Talent on show from Royal Blues’ substitutes

Four minutes after the restart, it was again Teuchert, who had the opportunity to make it 1-1. However, the striker failed to beat substitute keeper, Javier Diaz, from close range. After that chance, the Royal Blues remained on the front foot and brought out some fresh forces. Huub Stevens, joined Michael Langer and Steven Skrzybski, who had already been subbed off at half-time, in being replaced by some U19 and U23 players. They joined Nassim Boujellab, who had been in action from the start. Omar Mascarell was also among those who played, making his comeback after suffering with a groin injury.

In the 71^st minute, Sevilla doubled their lead. Munir El Haddadi converted a penalty, after Jonas Carls was awarded a penalty. After the second goal, the Royal Blues tried everything in their power to get a goal, but unfortunately their efforts were not met with any tangible reward.