FC Schalke 04 scored three important points in the relegation battle in the 2nd Bundesliga. Against SV Wehen Wiesbaden, a penalty brought the decision in a disjointed game.
Kenan Karaman (60th minute) scored Schalke’s 1-0 (0-0) winning goal with a penalty kick in a game that, as expected, was not a football festival.
Thanks to the success, coach Karel Geraerts’ team can breathe a little easier, they moved up to 14th place and are within one point of the newly promoted team, which is in 13th place.
Disjointed first half between Schalke and Wiesbaden
Schalke in particular urgently needed a three-pointer with only two points to gain a cushion on the relegation place. The form curve, on the other hand, spoke in favor of the newcomer from Wiesbaden, who had recently remained without defeat three times in a row.
The game started out disjointed, with many passing errors and ball losses. It took 14 minutes until the first notable action, but it was tough. Franko Kovacevic finished in Schalke’s penalty area, keeper Marius Müller would have been beaten, but Thomas Ouwejan blocked the shot in front of the line.
Uwe Dietz, Sportschau, February 17, 2024 3:57 p.m
The shock had obviously invigorated the Gelsenkirchen team, as they now pushed harder, but without creating any danger in front of the Wiesbaden goal. This was first ensured by Karaman, who made a remarkable effort in the Wiesbaden penalty area – but then failed to hit the ball properly, which rolled into the arms of SVWW keeper Florian Stritzel (35′).
Schalke’s Karaman keeps his nerve
The game started the second half with the same personnel and at a similar level. It wasn’t until the 59th minute that the fans were pulled out of their seats. Referee Deniz Aytekin pointed to the penalty spot after Aleksandar Vukotic fouled Schalke’s Darko Churlinov. Karaman kept his nerve and slotted in down the right.
The Wiesbaden team now has to take more risks, which opened up more space for Schalke to counterattack. However, there was no further goal.
Uwe Dietz, Sportschau, February 17, 2024 3:57 p.m
For Simon Terodde, who played his 300th second division game, all that mattered in the end was victory. “Eminently important for the team, the fans, the whole staff,” said Terodde at the Sportschau microphone. “We had to really tremble at the end, we threw ourselves into every duel, interacting with the fans. In the end it was a nice ending.”
Schalke in Magdeburg, Wiesbaden against Paderborn
Schalke are challenged on matchday 23 away in Magdeburg (Saturday, February 24th, 2024, 8:30 p.m.). Wehen Wiesbaden welcomes SC Paderborn on Friday evening (6.30 p.m.).