Schalke end 12-game losing streak against FC Bayern with valiant performance
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Schalke produced a hard-fought performance to hold Rekordmeister FC Bayern to a goalless draw in matchday 2 Topspiel of the Bundesliga. As a result, they finally ended a 12-game losing streak against the Bavarians.
Schalke held the Rekordmeister in a tactical first-half encounter. With Michael Olise and Harry Kane starting on the bench, the best chance of the half fell to Luis Díaz, who was unable to convert after Nathaniel Brown’s delightful pass sent him one-on-one with Loris Karius.
Playing in the advanced role given by Vincent Kompany, Brown also had a decent attempt parried away by the 33-year-old goalkeeper. Schalke were understandably cautious in their approach, although Manuel Neuer also had to make a save from Adil Aouchiche’s harmless free-kick.
Kompany decided to bring Harry Kane on for the second-half, but it was the double substitutions before the hour mark that changed the complexion of the game. Jamal Musiala made his first competitive appearance of the season, while Michael Olise was also impactful the moment he entered the pitch.
Bayern’s attack suddenly clicked with lots of promising moments in the final third, but the hosts held their own in the first Veltins Arena Bundesliga game since 2023. Miron Muslić’s side stayed true to the solid defensive organization that won them promotion to the Bundesliga.
There was still time for Kane to come close to breaking the deadline, but Karius made the best save of the match. Schalke are yet to score a goal, but they somehow stopped Kompany’s attacking machine by limiting them to fewer chances.
Schalke will be in action in the opening fixture of matchday 3 away at Union Berlin. FC Bayern will travel to face Elversberg, who started with two dramatic victories, three days after they start their Champions League campaign at Allianz Arena against Bodø/Glimt.
