The first half of this ‘duel between friends’ could hardly have spoken a clearer language: While 1. FC Nuremberg voluntarily ceded control of the game to FC Schalke and was extremely error-prone and completely uninterested in the game, the Gelsenkirchen team was able to launch good attacks every now and then and thus at least collect small scoring opportunities.
Accordingly, the 1-0 lead for S04, scored by Ibrahima Cissé from a free kick, was well deserved. A short time later, Ron Schallenberg was sent off with a second yellow card. The second yellow card was a clear mistake, as it was he himself who was fouled. But the truth is that he could have saved himself the first yellow card if he had not reacted unnecessarily emotionally to a previous decision by the referee.
As a result, Royal Blue had to start the second half with fewer players. FCN suddenly came to life and discovered the joy of possession. In the 47th minute, the hosts took advantage of the space that had become available to equalize at 1:1. Around ten minutes later, they scored the opening goal – the game had turned around. After Caspar Jander was shown a yellow-red card, which was completely correct this time, the guests came back into the game stronger with equal numbers, but were hardly able to create any good scoring opportunities after the defensive changes. In the end, it was substitute Rafael Lubach who took advantage of a rebound and slotted home the final score, making it 3:1 from Nuremberg’s perspective.
With the ball at his feet, he was exemplary again and an important weapon for Schalke, with no significant blame for the goals conceded. Otherwise, he was unremarkable, with no major saves on one side or mistakes on the other.
Rating: 6/10
He had a very unremarkable game in which he was not as effective as he was the week before. He was surprisingly weak in the tackles (20 percent!). Apart from that, it was a mixed game, but not bad.
Rating: 5/10
Was hardly ever called upon in the first half, which is why he put in a confident performance. In the second half there were still some good tackles, but there was a lack of overview and clarity, including when it came to the goals conceded.
Rating: 5/10
As long as he wasn’t called upon, he remained solid. However, when he was involved in one-on-one duels, under pressure or even in running duels, he had almost no chance. A performance that probably helped his center-back colleagues.
Rating: 3/10
Due to the changes, he only really came into his own in the first half. Later on, he had to play as the second center back in the rest of the defense because Kaminski was once again struggling with a lack of speed.
Rating: 6/10
A completely wasted day for the midfielder. His complaining yellow card laid the foundation for the wrong sending off. Up until that point, a solid game.
Rating: 5/10
Extremely inconspicuous. In a negative sense, he is largely invisible, but in a positive sense he is a sweeper who stays in the background. But overall, not enough for this game, especially with the amount of possession in the first half.
Rating: 5/10
This time he played on the right side and was able to show himself more often and also put others in the spotlight. But he generally lacked the assertiveness. In the second half he was in an unfortunate role.
Rating: 7/10
Only really got into the game in the final phase of the match, before that he was more of a follower than a clear key player. Too weak in tackles, but that isn’t necessarily his forte.
Rating: 6/10
He showed commitment, but played without results. The only thing that sticks in my mind is his assist for Cissé’s 1-0 goal, which came from his free kick. His crosses rarely found a teammate during the game, and the corners hardly posed any danger either.
Rating: 5/10
He was able to distinguish himself several times as a striker. He secured several balls and created scoring opportunities, but was not dangerous enough when he had a good scoring opportunity. He was then substituted at half-time as a pawn in the wake of Schallenberg’s sending off.
Rating: 7/10
The substitutes:
Substituted in the second half. He seemed completely overwhelmed when outnumbered. It is obviously a challenge, but he often gave FCN too much space in an unnecessary way. When the second goal was conceded, he simply let his opponent run, who then put the rebound in the goal. Later on, he had more good moves, but it was too late.
Rating: 4/10
Substituted in the 66th minute. Was supposed to bring a bit of pace down the wings, which the approach to the game didn’t really allow for once FCN were in the lead. Nevertheless, he was able to convince the team with a few good moves and gain more confidence.
Rating: 5/10
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