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fight, fight, fight.
It wasn't really nice.
Photo:
Lars Baron/Getty Images
FC Schalke 04 is still waiting for their first win in 2023. The bottom of the table also drew 0-0 against VfL Wolfsburg – it was the third goalless draw in a row.
Schalke remains in 18th place, but showed a significantly improved performance compared to the first half of the season, especially in terms of commitment.
The Royal Blues were also unlucky with two offside goals.
The team coached by Thomas Reis started for the first time in months with the long-injured Rodrigo Zalazar and hoped for more structure in midfield - but initially the guests were in charge.
After just seven minutes, after viewing the video evidence, referee Benjamin Brand awarded the Wolfsburg penalty.
Winter access Moritz Jenz had stepped on Wolfsburg's Patrick Wimmer on the foot, and that on the edge of the penalty area.
However, the unfortunate action had no consequences for Schalke because Maximilian Arnold hit the penalty spot on the post.
An exciting start that promised more than the game held afterwards.
A lot of midfield, a lot of duels, a lot of commitment, but almost no chances to score.
Schalke was committed, Wolfsburg a little more mellow.
Both teams neutralized each other in their style of play, so of course it was goalless at the break.
After the change of sides, Schalke had the better start this time.
After a free-kick cross, Alex Kral carried the ball into the Wolfsburg goal in the 50th minute to great cheering from the arena – cheering that died out two minutes later.
Video evidence showed the shooter was marginally offside.
It remained at 0:0.
The bottom of the table remained committed after that, tried to put VfL more and more on the defensive, but without any success.
In the 65th minute, Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels reflexively prevented his team from falling behind when he blocked a shot by Jenz from close range.
After 75 minutes, Schalke celebrated again – and again in vain.
The goal of the new Swiss striker Michael Frey was also preceded by an offside position.
Aha