FC Schalke’s home debut after returning to the Bundesliga ends happily. A lot of passion and a late equalizer are enough to get a point in the western hit against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Even minutes after the final whistle, the Schalke team were celebrated by their fans in the north curve – not for the first win after the Bundesliga return, but for an emotional race to catch up.
A hand penalty from Marius Bülter (90. + 3 minutes) converted in added time saved the promoted team a point in the wild 2: 2 (1: 0) in the first home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach and caused a small blue and white summer party.
“The Bülti takes the ball, has the self-confidence and puts it in. That’s how it has to be regulated,” said Schalke’s coach Frank Kramer on Sky: “It’s our damn duty to throw our hearts on the pitch.” Especially since the 62,271 spectators in the sold-out arena created a “great atmosphere”. “It’s great that we were able to give them a point in the 93rd minute,” said striker Simon Terodde.
It initially looked like another very bitter game for Schalke after promotion. Jonas Hofmann (72′) and Marcus Thuram (78′) turned the game in favor of Borussia, who had been disappointing for a long time, after Rordrigo Zalazar (29′) had put Schalke ahead. Bülter’s converted penalty caused ecstasy, preceded by a handball by substitute Patrick Herrmann.
“You can give it, unfortunately,” said Christoph Kramer from Gladbach, who raved about the “incredible” atmosphere in the Schalke Arena and said: “It’s a great stadium, a great club that belongs in the Bundesliga.” With a win, Gladbach would have taken over the top of the table, at least temporarily.
Despite the 1: 3 at the league opener last weekend at 1. FC Köln, the euphoria in Schalke was clearly felt after promotion. The spectators provided an atmospheric setting in hot summer weather with temperatures well over 30 degrees. “You get a little pee in your eyes because you’re hooked. It doesn’t get any hotter than that,” said Kramer shortly before kick-off. With a tremendous blue and white choreography, the north curve made the royal blues really hot again. That worked.
From the start, the home side, who were limited in terms of play compared to Borussia, gave it their all. Schalke’s pros were snappy, fighting for every centimeter and stressing the Gladbach team, who were trying to structure themselves. That didn’t sit well with Borussia, who were actually geared towards possession, and they kept leaving Farke’s line too early. After a few dangerous offensive actions at the beginning of the game, the Revierclub did not deserve the lead after half an hour. A powerful long-range shot from Zalazar hit the bottom right corner of Gladbach’s keeper Yann Sommer, out of reach.
The Gladbachers, who were unbeaten in the preparation and in the first two competitive games under their new coach, reacted with surprise and shock to the unexpected setback. In comparison to the sovereign 3:1 on the first matchday against TSG Hoffenheim, who were also playing along, the Rhinelanders were unrecognizable. The uninspired Farke-Elf had significantly more problems with Schalke’s game, which was more geared towards destruction and combat. Without the still injured captain Lars Stindl, national player Florian Neuhaus as his representative behind the strikers had a very weak performance.
After the change, Gladbach became even more decisive. Overall, however, the home side were now pushed further into the defensive. Schalke hardly became dangerous anymore. Hofmann literally worked the equalizer into the goal after a good 70 minutes. Shortly thereafter, Thuram also scored – but Schalke’s Bülter put the end point.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
