Schalke 04 took a good step towards relegation with a goal after 102 minutes. “Royal Blue” won away again – this time in Mainz and is currently 14th in the table. On Friday evening (05.05.23) the Knappen defeated the 05ers 3:2 (1:0).
Marius Bülter scored the opening goal for the self-confident Schalke team (26′), after the break Leandro Barreiro snapped after a corner (53′) and equalized for the hosts. When Mainz built up pressure in the second half of the game, S04 threw themselves in between and put themselves in front again with a remarkable move – Tom Krauß scored (60′). A free-kick from Aaron Martín brought the hosts back. Marius Bülter set the final point for coach Thomas Reis’ team with a converted penalty kick (90′ + 12′). Schalke moved up to 14th place, Mainz suffered a setback in the fight for a place in Europe and remain in eighth place.
Schalke started confidently, but goal opportunities remained scarce. Karim Onisiwo tested Alexander Schwolow in one of the few Mainz chances. But then Schalke struck: After Ludovic Ajorque lost the ball in midfield, Rodrigo Zalazar passed the ball to Bülter, who shot the ball flat and long into the right corner from around ten meters with his left.
Svensson switches during the break
Bop Svensson reacted to Schalke’s strength in the first half of the game and brought on youth player Nelson Weiper for the ailing Danny da Costa. In addition, the coach changed the defense and now played with a back four. The pressure on Schalke’s back line increased immediately – and culminated in Barreiro’s equaliser: Andreas Hanche-Olsen extended a corner from the left to the right post. Barreiro lurked there and pushed the ball over the line from a very short distance.
Mainz opened up – and Schalke played that into their cards. Ajorque had just headed over the crossbar on the other side when Kenan Karaman worked his way up the right after a throw-in and then had the perfect eye – for Krauss, who had run along. Perfect pass, perfect finish.
Fighting and playfully respectable game
Both teams kept the game fighting and playful at a good level. Svensson reacted again and brought fresh forces into the game. Again with effect: A free kick followed quickly, 20 meters from the Schalke box. Aarón Martín arranged the ball and curled the ball perfectly into the left bend.
Schalke didn’t give up – the strong Robin Zentner parried a shot from Tim Skarke (80th). A pointed ball from Bülter. And again against Danny Latza (90th +1). Then Marius Bülter converted the decisive penalty coolly on the bottom right.
Schalke visiting the record champions
Next weekend, FC Schalke 04 will play in Munich for important points in the fight against relegation (Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). Mainz is challenged in Frankfurt at the same time.