Sunday, March 15, 2009

Die Königsblauen return from Wolfsburg without points

Die Königsblauen returned to action after the tumultous departure of Andreas Müller with a 4-3 loss to Wolfsburg. The loss leaves the Gelsenkirchen side side in eighth position but through a series of poor performances by a number of top six clubs there still is hope for European Football.

Felix Magath’s side was stunned as Schalke scored nine minutes in from Jermaine Jones long ball to Heiko Westermann that was sent into the net by the German international. While it should be no surprise Wolfsburg benefitted from another penalty being awarded as with ten minutes remaining Grafite fell like tree as Ivan Rakitić was adjudged to fouling the Brazilian. Taking the penalty himself, Grafite leveled the match. A loss in defending concentration gave the hosts the lead just before the break as Grafite crossed to Bosnian Edin Džeko and the über goal scorer finished without fail. After few attacking chances by die Königsblauen after the break, Wolfsburg increased its margin as Zvjezdan Misimović provided Grafite the ball and after "out-wanting" the chance, he sent the ball in. Jermaine Jones provided a life-line two minutes later from twelve metres out but Wolfsburg killed off the match with five minutes remaining as Grafite scored the third of the match. A late goal added-time goal Kevin Kurányi made it close but there wasn't enough time to level and Schalke went down to defeat.