Schalke vs. Hoffenheim 2-0

Match report:

Both sides began positively at the Veltins Arena with Schalke looking to get back to winning ways after last week's draw at Bochum, while Ralf Rangnick was hoping for his visiting Hoffenheim side to make amends for three recent defeats in a row.

Unfortunately for 1899, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock 19 minutes into the match when Kevin Kuranyi expertly finished a fine through ball from midfield by Brazilian wing-back Rafinha. The German striker's 11th goal of the season shocked Hoffenheim into action, however, with Rangnick's troops quickly pushing forward in search of an equaliser.

Again in the second half if was Hoffenheim who created the first chance when Andreas Beck was unceremoniously hacked down in the box, only for the referee to wave play on. That incredible decision proved crucial shortly afterwards when Lukas Schmitz (49') thumped home a loose ball on the edge of the box via a deflection to double the Schalke's lead and put them firmly in the driving seat. Hoffenheim continued valiantly as they attempted to muster up something in retaliation, but the points were clearly staying in Gelsenkirchen.

Schalke thus move level on points with second-placed Leverkusen for 24 hours at least, while 1899 are again left with plenty to ponder as they await their first win since the winter break and remain in ninth spot in the table.

Ralf Rangnick
We're disappointed with the result but also with the way the game went. We didn't let much slip in the first half, but the goals we conceded highlighted some misunderstandings we had at the back. Kevin didn't mean to score that goal, he meant to lay it across. It played into Schalke's hands, but the main turning point was the penalty we didn't get. There was no discussion there, it was a stone-waller. We conceded the second goal shortly afterwards and that was it then.

Felix Magath
Despite the poor decision on the penalty it was a deserved victory. We scored the goals and if they had got the penalty then it would have been 2-1 anyway.

Timo Hildebrand
We've lost against three big teams now. We need to fight, put the effort in and keep believing.

Andreas Ibertsberger
We're having a difficult time of keeping a clean sheet it at the moment. It's a annoying how we keep having these setbacks.

 

 

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