A convincing SV Darmstadt is really starting to roll. This was also felt by FC Schalke, whose 2-4 defeat could plunge them into a small crisis.
After two defeats in a row, Schalke opened their home game ambitiously, compared to the 0:1 in Heidenheim Aydin and the fit Drexler started instead of Ranftl and Zalazar (bench). Shortly after Terodde’s first chance (7th), the home side took the lead, but after Luca Pfeiffer’s unfortunate own goal at a corner (8th), they let their guard down. And that in terms of play.
Darmstadt, who started with returnee Gjasula instead of Karic (bench) after the 2:0 against Nürnberg, not only quickly equalised through a well-placed low shot by Tietz – Manu had cleverly prepared with his head – (11th). The Lilies then took control in Gelsenkirchen quite convincingly.
Honsak dribbles beautifully
At the back, Darmstadt hardly gave Schalke a chance, especially through the defensive giants Isherwood and Patric Pfeiffer, and after winning the ball the SVD made it even more difficult for the Königsblauen. After a bad pass by Latza, the dribbling Honsak turned the game around with a wonderful solo (22.), Schalke’s life insurance Terodde (29., 39., 45.) and Thiaw (19., 40.), who had been without a goal for more than 400 minutes, did not manage to create more than half chances.
With a reliable stability against the ball, Darmstadt let their hosts do their thing after the restart. Schalke tried again and again to cross the ball – probably because they could hardly do it any other way – but that was not the best possible means against the SVD.
Schalke hopes only briefly
Just when Grammozis made a double change after a good hour, the preliminary decision was made. This time Aydin lost the ball, again it was quick: Kempe sent Tietz towards S04 keeper Fraisl, the striker laced a well-placed brace – 3:1 for the Lilien (63.).
But the Schalkers did not give up. Zalazar’s substitution made itself felt, but Thiaw scored the supposed 2:3 after an Ouwejan free kick from an offside position (70th). Joker Pieringer did better in the fourth attempt, his shot into the far corner gave hope in the Veltins-Arena (88th).
But in return, substitute Darmstadt Goller restored the old distance and let the air out (89.). The three points went to the SVD, who not only have the best attack in the league with 31 goals, but have also overtaken the Königsblauen in the tableau.
For Schalke, it continues after the international break with an away game in Bremen (20 November). Darmstadt hosts FC St. Pauli on the same day.