Draw ensures Schalke and Union continue winless runs

FC Schalke ended their four game losing streak after drawing 1-1 at Union Berlin.

Union piled the pressure on in the early minutes of the match. Marius Bulter’s ball into the box found Yunus Malli, but hit his shot was straight at ‘keeper Alexander Nübel.

Union would find the breakthrough in the 11th minute. Juan Miranda was disposessed by Anthony Ujah in the middle of the park, he played a slick pass to Robert Andrich, who slotted home his first Bundesliga goal.

There was further catastrophic defending from Die Knappen in the opening 25 minutes which Union didn’t take advantage of. Ujah was found unmarked in the middle, but was denied once again by Nübel.

Union no doubt rued their chances as moments after their chance to go 2-0 up, Schalke were on level terms. On-loan Everton right-back, Jonjoe Kenny surged forward with the ball and rifled his shot into the bottom from 25 yards.

This proved to be Schalke’s only shot on target in the entire match. But with ten minutes to go they could have won it. Ahmed Kutucu drove down the flanks and fired his cross across the area to Michael Gregoritsch, who was unable to convert.

Urs Fischer’s side also missed two great chances with five minutes to spare. Firstly, Marvin Friedrich’s curler deflected wide. Then from the following corner, Nübel made an excellent save from close range, which helped Schalke hold on for the point.

The point for the home side edges them closer to a second successive season in the German top flight, but no doubt Union could have felt that this was two points dropped, and a real opportunity pick up their first win in eight matches.

Still huge problems for Schalke

Rabbi Matondo and Benito Raman were substituted, after picking up knocks in the second 45. No doubt the Schalke supporters will be hoping they don’t add to their already large injury list.

Though Schalke ended their losing streak, they still remain without a win in 12 matches, and were unable to move themselves out of the bottom half.

But it was a positive performance for their shotstopper Nübel, who kept out three of Union’s five shots on target. The former Germany under-21 is joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season.