13.03.2011
News-Archive

Defeat Away to Schalke

The Eagles finally managed to score their first goal in 2011 but it was not enough to take away points from Schalke 04. Jurado (45', penalty), Tzavellas (70') and Charisteas (84') scored the goals.

Michael Skibbe had to change his starting line-up in various positions, Patrick Ochs and Benny Köhler were out with injuries, Maik Franz was banned for his 10th booking in the running campaign. Rode started in the back four, Clark was in defensive midfield and Caio on the right replacing Ochs.

The 61,673 crowd saw an even first half in which Eintracht showed a focused and solid performance. Both teams were mainly trying to control the game and not too many events happened in either goal area. Altintop and Caio had shots but Schalke keeper Neuer was at the end of them. Jurado and Kluge had chances to score for the hosts. Everyone expected a 0-0 half time score when Fährmann was about to release a long ball from the Eintracht box. Raul came from behind to gain possession and the keeper was taken by surprise, he tackled the Spanish star and a penalty was awarded. Faehrmann was also booked, Jurado stepped up to convert with a powerful shot.

Heller replaced Clark after the break and while the Eagles played more towards the front now they had to open up defensively. Faehrmann had some great saves in one on one situations when Schalke attacked with fast breaks. After just over an hour Gekas came on for Altintop and straight away was at the end of a Schwegler through ball, his shot lacked power though. In minute 74 Tzavellas launched a long ball down the left wing, the ball seemed to go in Gekas’ direction who was attempting to get at the end of it but did not get his touch, and after a bounce it flew over Neuer into the Schalke goal. The first goal of 2011 was a strange one but it seemed to lift up the team which now played with an improved confidence. Meier and Gekas had chances to even gain the lead but could not finish from inside the box.

With six minutes to go Neuer launched the ball for Schalke and a Russ header shifted it towards Charisteas who had just been brought on by Schalke manager Magath. The Greek finished with his first touch in the match, and Eintracht were beaten again. Looking at the various good chances the ‘Blues’ had in the second half it was in a way deserved but still it came as a blow for the Eagles who seemed close to at least taking a point away.

The run in 2011 without a win continues and is now at 9 games in a row. At least a goal was scored after 792 goalless minutes but Eintracht will need wins badly in order to stay in the top league. Currently the Eagles are ranked 14th but could end up further down after today’s games. Coming up next weekend is the home game against St. Pauli on Saturday afternoon.