Die Königsblauen no match for Werkself

May started off perfectly for Werkself as they defeated Schalke 2-1 in Gelsenkirchen. It was only the third win for Bruno Labbadia's side since the start of the Rückrunde but bodes well for the DFB Pokal at months end against Bremen.

After last weeks loss against KSC Bruno Labbadia adjusted his starting eleven to include Toni Kroos, Gonzalo Castro and Michal Kadlec with Tranquillo Barnetta relegated to the bench. Asserting their intent from the opening whistle and took the lead at the ninth minute as Arturo Vidal long through-ball Gonzalo Castro on the right flank, was crossed from the bye-line into the box for Patrick Helmes to turn-in. In complete control of the match Werkself ran roughshod over the home side and four minutes prior to the half-hour as Renato Augusto out maneuvered Christian Pander and drove the ball in from an acute angle on the right to make it 2-0. For the balance of the match, Schalke was no match for Werkself and what chances did make it through were turned away by René Adler. With three minutes left Ivan Rakitić linked up with Kevin Kurányi and the striker brought one back for Schalke. However that was a close as it got as Werkself won 2-1 and readies for the DFB Pokal on 30 May.