FC Schalke 04

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Barcelona 1 - 0 Schalke 04
Barça win 2-0 on aggregate

Touré Yaya scored the only goal of the game as Barcelona edged their way into the semi finals of the Champions League in a game that saw Schalke dominate the first period before the hosts took over.

The Ivory Coast midfielder rolled in the winning strike on the night and eased the tension that would have built had the Blaugrana not made the breakthrough.

Schalke arrived looking to score before the break and dominated for long periods in the opening half and certainly had enough chances to draw level on aggregate.

Nerves were on edge at Barça as the home side were not sure what reaction any mistakes would bring from the home crowd, but Frank Rijkaard's call for unity had been heeded and the fans backed their team at the start.

It was juts as well as Schalke showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion and slowly began to look the team more likely to score as they created several very good chances.

Bojan Krkic did have the first chance of the night when he volleyed over, before Gerald Asamoah fired wide at the other end in what proved to be a very attacking game.

Eto'o shot off target at one end before Kevin Kuranyi and Halil Altintop looked to test Víctor Valdés and were frustrated as the Catalan keeper ensured they did not score.

Two of the best chances of the half then came within moments of each other first Andrés Iniesta found Xavi with superb pass and the midfielder looked certain to score after brekaing into the area, but Manuel Neuer denied him from close range.

Then Kuranyi met a cross from the right wing but could only nod wide before clashing heads with Gianluca Zambrotta which left both men dazed and requiring treatment.

Jermaine Jones' low drive went just wide and Asamoah and Kuranyi just failed to connected with a centre the German side reached their prime and still failed to find an opening.

Having failed to convert any of their forward play into goals, the visitors paid the price two minutes before the break as they went behind on the night and fell further behind on aggregate.

Bojan's cross from the right was deflected up and onto the top of his own crossbar by Marcelo Borbon and Touré was in the right place to meet the ball as it came down and roll it under the keeper.

The goal gave Barcelona confidence and the second period was a very different story as the hosts began to show some of the form for which they are known under Rijkaard.

Thierry Henry was the first to spurn a chance as he fired over from Bojan's cut-back, before Neuer did very well to tip Iniesta's low shot wide of the post.

Schalke showed that they were not giving up just yet as Grossmüller and Altintop went close with the first lifting a free-kick over the bar and the latter aiming straight at Valdés.

Barça's passing game was in full flow just after the hour mark when Xavi and Toure both warmed Neuer's gloves in what were the home team's last clear chances of the half.

After Bojan had been taken off with the fans letting their objection to his withdrawal known, Henry received a few whistles from supporters that evidently felt the Frenchman should have made way for Giovani Dos Santos.

The victory should give Barça a lift, but they will have to be at their best in the next round as they will face Manchester United for a place in the final.

Goal.com - Champions League - Touré Earns Barça Semi Final Spot

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Slomka: We Lacked Experience

Schalke trainer Mirko Slomka was left to rue his side’s lack of European experience as they lost 1-0 to Barcelona at the Nou Camp despite playing extremely well in the first half.

The Königsblauen were the better side in the first half and created a number of gilt edge chances, which they were unable to convert. Yaya Touré popped up just before the interval to score the only goal of the game to send Barcelona through 2-0 on aggregate.

Slomka was proud of his men, but was left to reflect on what could have been.

“It really was a shame” he said. “The decisive goal was just beyond us, and then came the kick in the teeth. We fought for every meter but we lacked the experience to finish things off.

“The strikers created very good chances, but were just lacking in the last centimetre. You have to take chances like the ones we created in the first half.

“When you put Barcelona under that sort of pressure at home, then you have played a good game” he added.

Goal.com - Schalke - Slomka: We Lacked Experience

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Bundesliga, Matchday 28 | PREVIEW
Werder Bremen – Schalke

The battle for those all-important Champions League places hots up on Saturday with Werder Bremen and Schalke clashing at the Weser Stadion. The Green and Whites got themselves back on track last weekend with a win against Hertha Berlin after three losses and a draw in their previous four matches. Whether that recovery is a short-lived one will be seen on Saturday with the arrival of Schalke.

Things are becoming increasingly tight at the top with just three points separating second from fifth, so three points on Saturday will be vital for both sides.

Schalke have taken the initiative in recent weeks with four wins in their last five Bundesliga matches taking them up to second in the table. How much of a toll their midweek Champions League exertions will have taken from them remains to be seen, but if they can reproduce the sort of form they showed in the first half at the Nou Camp, then Werder are going to have a real game on their hands.

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Slomka: Werder Game Could Be Decisive

Schalke trainer Mirko Slomka believes Saturday’s clash with Werder Bremen at the Weser Stadion could prove to be a decisive step in the Königsblauen’s season.

Second place Schalke travel North to face fourth place Werder Bremen with just one point separating the two sides.

The game takes place just three days after Schalke’s disappointing Champions League exit, but trainer Mirko Slomka has his sights firmly set on a win at the Weser Stadion.

"As we have said repeatedly over the last few weeks, we want to finish the season in a position that entitles us to play in the Champions League again next year" Slomka explained.

"If we can manage a win, it could prove to be a decisive step towards qualifying for the Champions League" he said.

"I expect to come up against a Bremen side that will put us under a lot of pressure in a bid to claim all three points. We've always done well against Werder in the last few years" he explained.

Last season the visitors managed a 2-0 win with both goals coming from winger Peter Lövenkrands.

"Bremen like to push up, which leaves space for us to exploit. They'll go flat out from the start and are known for creating lots of chances. So our defence will have to be up to the challenge" he added.

Goal.com - Schalke - Slomka: Werder Game Could Be Decisive

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Schalke Linked With Kalinic

Wednesday’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona highlighted Schalke’s major weakness in Europe- their inability to score. The Königsblauen are already looking towards solutions the problem with Croat striker Nikola Kalinic being targeted.

Schalke scored just six goals in ten Champions League games as they reached the quarter final, and failed to score at all in six of those games.

Mirko Slomka’s side dominated the first half against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in midweek but just couldn’t apply the finishing touch.

Bosses at the Ruhr club have now reportedly set their sights on bringing Croatian hit-man Nikola Kalinic to the Veltins Arena. Kalinic has hit 16 goals this season and would set Schalke back around €3 million.

Much depends however on whether Schalke qualify for next season’s Champions League with Kalinic determined to play for a team in Europe’s premier competition.

The 20 year old Hajduk Split forward is two-footed, strong in the air, and is highly rated in his homeland. His contract with Hajduk runs to 2011.

“We have been observing him” admitted Schalke manager Andreas Müller. “But he is just one of ten players we are watching.”

Goal.com - Schalke - Schalke Linked With Kalinic

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Werder Bremen 5 - 1 Schalke

19' [1 - 0] F. Baumann
33' [2 - 0] B. Sanogo
42' [2 - 1] K. Kuranyi
59' [3 - 1] M. Rosenberg
76' [4 - 1] I. Klasnic
89' [5 - 1] I. Klasnic

Werder Bremen 5-1 Schalke

In a highly absorbing Bundesliga clash at the Weser Stadion, Werder ran out 5-1 winners in a match full of chances for both sides. The win sees Thomas Schaaf’s side reclaim second spot in the table.

Today’s Bundesliga offering at the Weser Stadion proved to be superb advertisement for German football with six goals shared between two teams chasing a Champions League spot.

Five of those goals fell to the home side as they leap-frogged the Königsblauen into second place. In a game full of chances, goals from Baumann, Sanogo and Rosenberg along with a double from substitute Ivan Klasnic sent Werder fans home happy.

Schalke’s consolation came via the head of Kevin Kuranyi.

First Half

The away side made a bright start inside the Weser Stadion with two good chances within the opening three minutes.

A good counter attacking move from Schalke saw Ernst finally playing in Albert Streit who forced Tim Wiese into a fine save from a tight angle. The resulting corner saw Bordon send in a dangerous header that had to be dealt with by the Werder keeper.

On six minutes Christian Pander curled in a dangerous free kick that flew just wide from around 30 minutes to cap a fine opening for Mirko Slomka’s side. Werder were really not in the game in the opening minutes.

The next big chance fell to the visitors on eight minutes. Schalke countered again quickly from a Werder corner and had a three on two situation. Jones laid the ball square to Altintop after Tim Wiese had come flying out of his goal.

Rather than shooting into the empty net, the Turkish forward tried to beat Clemens Fritz and the full back cleared the danger.

When Werder’s first real chance did arrive, it fell to the wrong player with Naldo firing well over the bar after a poorly cleared Werder corner fell to him inside the penalty area.

Despite the very positive start made by the away side it was Werder who then took the lead after 19 minutes. Diego forced a save from Manuel Neuer that brought a corner.

The resulting cross was cleared, but with the Schalke defenders slow to push up, Petri Pasanen lofted the ball back into the area, where Werder captain Frank Baumann was on hand to head past Neuer.

The Königsblauen had another good chance on 22 minutes but Altintop took the wrong option again. He would have done better to play in Sanchez, but he chose to shoot from a tight angle and Wiese gathered without much trouble.

In a very open game, Werder should really have taken a two-goal lead on 25 minutes. Sanogo was given too much space down the right hand side and fed Diego, who missed the fine corner by inches with his effort from the edge of the six-yard box.

The supporters inside the Weser Stadion were certainly getting value for their money with the chances coming thick and fast at both ends.

On 28 minutes the ball arrived at Altintop from the left, but Tim Wiese was out to smother as the Turk look set to fire home. Shortly afterwards Pander fired in a dangerous looking shot from 30 meters that had to be saved by Wiese.

A second goal seemed just a matter of time and it was Werder Bremen who scored it after 33 minutes. A super piece of play on the left from Diego brought Borowski into the game. The midfielder crossed into the penalty area where Sanogo beat Bordon to the header and scored to break his own personal goal drought.

The catalogue of missed chances for the visitors continued on 41 minutes with Vicente Sanchez wasting a glorious opportunity after being played through on goal. Albert Streit showed his disgust that the Uruguayan didn’t square the ball to him as the away side continued to waste he chances that came their way.

However, within a minute Schalke grabbed a deserved goal via the head of Kevin Kuranyi. The German international nodded home from close range after a well flighted Streit corner.

Second Half

If the fans thought all the chances had come in the first half and that the second period would be a little tighter, they were wrong with Schalke racing out of the starting blocks and almost scoring 20 seconds into the second period.

Sanchez cut the ball back to Ernst in the area after a storming start from Schalke but the defensive midfielder saw his effort blocked by Frank Baumann just short of the goal line.

Four minutes in and Diego left Jermaine Jones standing before firing wide of Neuer’s goal. Three minutes later and the Brazilian got the better of the Schalke midfielder again and was even closer with his effort that missed the target by a hair’s breadth.

Then on the hour mark, the Green and Whites extended their lead with Markus Rosenberg heading in from close range after Diego had played the ball in and Borowski latched onto it and crossed for the Swede to nod home to make it 3-1.

Manuel Neuer produced a fantastic reaction save on 64 minutes to keep his side in the game as he pushed Naldo’s header over the bar with a split second one-handed save.

Despite the two goal lead for Thomas Schaaf’s side, Schalke were giving up and first Kuranyi forced Wiese into a save with a header from an Asamoah cross.

However the win was well and truly secured for the home side when substitute Ivan Klasnic stroked home Werder’s fourth goal after 76 minutes.

Gerald Asamoah lost the ball up front and Bremen counter-attacked superbly. Diego sent is a glorious pass to Klasnic who converted with just Neuer to beat to heap more woe on Schalke.

The visitors looked like they could be on the end of a real thrashing when Diego fed Frings on 82 minutes. The midfielder’s cross found Sanogo whose header seemed goal-bound before Neuer came to the rescue.

However, the debacle materialised on 89 minutes with Ivan Klasnic scoring his second and Werder’s fifth of the game. He skinned Mladen Krstajic on the right bye-line before stroking the ball past Neuer from a tight angle.

Today’s match had been billed the game of the day and it certainly lived up to that. Both teams attacked at will and the 5-1 result was perhaps a little harsh on Mirko Slomka’s side but it seemed that Werder took every chance that came their way, whilst Schalke wasted most of theirs.

Werder Bremen: Wiese, Fritz, Mertesacker, Naldo, Pasanen, Baumann, Frings, Borowski (Hunt 60), Diego (Özil 86), Rosenberg (Klasnic 60), Sanogo

Schalke: Neuer, Westermann (Rafinha 73), Bordon, Krstajic, Pander, Ernst, Jones, Streit, Altintop (Asamoah 59), Sanchez (Lövenkrands 65), Kuranyi

Goal.com - Bundesliga - Werder Reclaim Second Spot With Schalke Win

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Slomka: Missed Chances Cost Us

Schalke trainer Mirko Slomka was left scratching his head and looking for an explanation as to how his side had lost so heavily at the Weser Stadion.

Despite a very bright start form the visitors, the home side raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Baumann and Sanogo before Kevin Kuranyi pulled one back for the Königsblauen before half time.

Three unanswered second half goals from Markus Rosenberg and an Ivan Klasnic double inflicted Schalke’s heaviest defeat of the season to round off a disappointed week for them following their Champions League exit.

They had a whole host of chances that weren’t taken, with Werder punishing them by taking theirs.

“My team played extremely well in the first half, and in the end the Bremen margin of victory was too high” Slomka mused.

“Unfortunately we wasted too many good chances and I don’t have an answer as to why that was.

“We have to work on that in training. Understandably every player is very frustrated with the result” he added.

Schalke are now third in the table, one point ahead of fourth place Hamburg, who lost at home to Duisburg today. Stuttgart could go level on points with a win tomorrow against Bayer Leverkusen.

Goal.com - Schalke - Slomka: Missed Chances Cost Us

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Bundesliga, Matchday 29 | PREVIEW
Schalke – Energie Cottbus

The 5-1 debacle at the Weser Stadion on Saturday proved the final straw for Schalke trainer Mirko Slomka, who was promptly fired on Sunday.

Some would say that was a little harsh having finished second last season and made it to the quarter finals of the Champions League this season where they more than matched Barcelona for 45 minutes in each leg.

Mike Büskens and Youri Mulder will take charge of the the Königsblauen against Cottbus as they look to gain a vital three points in their quest for a top three finish.

The Ruhr club have their destiny in their own hands as they currently occupy the all-important third spot. However, what effect the removal of Slomka will have remains to be seen.

Cottbus achieved an important win on Saturday in a real six-pointer against Arminia Bielefeld. The win sees them open up a four-point gap between themselves and 16th place Duisburg. The East German club will be looking to take advantge of the turmoil at the Veltins Arena to secure another valuablr three points.

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Schalke 5-0 Energie Cottbus

If the sacking of Mirko Slomka was supposed to get a reaction from the players, then it succeeded. Under the temporary stewardship of Mike Büskens and Youri Mulder, Schalke grabbed an important morale-boosting 5-0 win over Energie Cottbus at the Veltins Arena.

Under-fire striker Kevin Kuranyi helped himself to four goals.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in the opening ten minutes with first Albert Streit missing the target, and then da Silva whipping a very dangerous ball across Manuel Neuer’s area. Schalke steadily built up the pressure and should have taken the lead on 13 minutes through Kevin Kuranyi.

As the home side continued to squander chances they were rewarded with a goal on 31 minutes with Vragel da Silva putting through his own net. Pander flighted in a free kick, which Bordon nodded down, only for the hapless Cottbus player to scuff into his own goal as he tried to clear.

Clearly buoyed by the goal Schalke then scored a second on 37 minutes. Pander chased a ball down on the bye-line before cutting an excellent ball back to Ernst. The midfielder fired across the face of the goal and Kuranyi was on hand to tap in ahead of Cvitanovic.

The Königsblauen were flying and grabbed a third before half time as Cottbus tottered. Kuranyi received a pass from Sanchez, cut inside before curling a super shot into the right hand corner of the goal.

The home side came out looking hungry at the start of the second 45 minutes and striker Kevin Kuranyi duly bagged his hat trick on 59 minutes. The forward was played onside by Ziebig and kept his cool well to slot past Tremmel when Ernst’s ball fell to him inside the penalty area.

4-0 became 5-0 on 80 minutes and it was Kuranyi again who was on the mark. Ernst won the ball in midfield again, Rafinha crossed and Kuranyi bravely headed in past Tremmel and received a punch in the face for his troubles.

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Goal.com - Germany - Bundesliga Round-Up: Schalke Hit Five, Werder Win

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Schalke duo back in training

Good news for Schalke 04's new coaching team Mike Büskens and Youri Mulder: Levan Kobiashvili and Ivan Rakitic both look likely to be available for the visit to Hamburger SV next Saturday (26.4.).

Kobiashvili resumed team training on Friday, having suffered a muscle injury during Schalke's Champions League return match in Barcelona.

The Georgian international is now back to full fitness, having undergone an intensive rehabilition programme, and is ready for a return to the squad.

Ivan Rakitic hopes to be joining him there soon. The 20-year-old was able to practice with the ball again on Friday, after being out with an ankle injury.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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Schalke have announced plans to invest in their team over the summer and make money available to whoever the new trainer is.

Mike Büskens and Youri Mulder are in temporary control of the Königsblauen following the sacking of Mirko Slomka, but a man will be in the hot-seat before the start of next season, with Twente Enschede coach Fred Rutten tipped for the post.

Whoever takes over at the Veltins Arena, the Schalke board have already announced plans to spend money strengthening the squad in an effort to close the gap on Bayern Munich.

Schalke reached the quarter finals of the Champions League this season and will receive a windfall of around €40 million- a large proportion of which they will spend on new players for next season.

“The board is prepared to agree to an investment in players in double figures in the millions” board member Clemens Tönnies revealed in an interview with ‘Revier-Sport’.

Striker Kevin Kuranyi was vocal in his demand for money to be spent at the start of the season, but Schalke had to wait until the winter break before signing Vicente Sanchez, Zé Roberto, and Albert Streit.

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Goal.com - Schalke - Schalke Set For Major Spending

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They should have done this just when they signed the mega deal with their sponsor Gazprom.

I think they get mad money from Gazprom. They should spend big. Not on players like Ze Roberto II, Sanchez & others. They should try and seek some big names. It's hard to get them if you're a club like Scheisse, but you'll get someone.