1-1 in Augsburg: Schalke save last point

IWith a superb number, Schalke 04 saved an important moment in the relegation battle with a Marius Bulter penalty in stoppage time. The Royal Blues, still undefeated in the second half of the season, drew 1-1 (0-0) on Saturday against Augsburg, who had to settle for a draw in their 200th Bundesliga home game after four home wins .

Even without a goal from striker Mergim Berisha, who was nominated for the national team for the first time, Augsburg were initially on their way to victory. The 24-year-old was scored by midfielder Arne Meyer (51st minute) in front of 30,360 spectators at the sold-out WWK arena on Saturday.

By scoring his third goal of the season, the 24-year-old took advantage of a mistake by Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fehrmann, who had been good until then. He technically fouled the ball from his penalty area to Mayer, who hit a short corner after a one-two with Ermedin Demirovich. As soon as the jubilation subsided, as Demirovich, who made an assist, saw a red card (53′). The Augsburg striker hit Schalke’s Tom Krauss with an outstretched leg jump in the middle of the face. Referee Daniel Schlager acknowledged a gross violation of the rules of the game.

In most cases, Schalke, still harmless in attack, sought to level the score. Substitute Simon Terodde missed by the most opportunity (71st). In stoppage time, the striker was severely fouled by FCA captain Geoffrey Gouveleu. Bulter with steel nerves moved the ball from the point (90 + 3). Stoppage time lasted ten minutes in total. Augsburg are still seven points ahead of Schalke.

Of course, the cameras and eyes in the sold-out Augsburg arena were especially focused on Berisha. The appointment of national coach Hansi Flick has given the 24-year-old striker an extra boost. “It’s a dream come true,” said the 2021 European Junior Champion, who can now recommend himself to the big boys. He “worked long and hard on it,” said the eight-time FCA scorer this season.

Hard work was also required against Schalke. Berisha started to act in the first minute, but his header hit the net. As a result, the defense of Schalke carefully noted him. Central defender Maya Yoshida (42′) deflected a dangerous cross from Berisha in the penalty area. The greatest chance was for Elvis Reksbekay, whose close shot the goalkeeper “Schalke” Fehrmann was able to parry with his right hand for a corner (23′). Augsburg dominated, but many actions fizzled out.

And Schalke? The rear was mostly stable, except for a carrier oversight. But too little has happened. Bulter’s kick was the most dangerous action for a long time (19 minutes). Manager Thomas Reis also replaced midfield cleaner Eder Balanta, who was threatened by the Yellow-Reds early on. For the most part, Reis relied on two centre-forwards, the double power of Michael Frei and Terodde in the box paid off belatedly.