FC Schalke 04 and FC Augsburg got their Europa League campaigns under way this evening with away matches. The Royal Blues came out on top in Cyprus, but FCA tasted defeat in Spain.
Andre Breitenreiter’s men beat APOEL Nicosia 3-0 thanks to goals from Joel Matip (28’) and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (35’/71’). Having been in the Champions League in each of the last three seasons, as well six of the last 10, S04 have adapted well to playing in Europe’s secondary club competition.
Sané replaces Choupo-Moting
André Breitenreiter made one change to the side that beat FSV Mainz 05 at the weekend. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has been suffering with illness recently, was replaced by Germany U19 international Leroy Sané in the starting XI.
Schalke hit the ground running and almost took the lead after eight minutes but Max Meyer’s effort smacked off the crossbar. A stunning long range effort from Johannes Geis also struck the woodwork 14 minutes later.
Schalke’s dominance was rewarded after 28 minutes thanks to a powerful header from Joel Matip, who also netted against Mainz last time out. The lead was doubled by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar before the interval.
Goretzka has one ruled out
Breitenreiter’s men continued to create the better chances after the break and they were also solid at the back. Germany U21 captain Leon Goretzka had a goal ruled out for offside but the lead was extended before full time thanks to Huntelaar’s second of the evening. The hosts were reduced to 10 men before the interval thanks to Tomas De Vincenti’s dismissal.
Augsburg taste defeat on opening night
FC Augsburg took the lead in their opening Europa League match but an Athletic Bilbao comeback meant that they lost 3-1 in Spain. Halil Altintop put them in front after 15 minutes but a brace from Aritz Aduriz (55’, 66’) and an injury time strike from Markel Susaeta turned the game around.
FCA impress on debut
"We performed well, the result was the only thing that we lacked,” sporting director Stefan Reuter told Sky.
FCA put in a brave performance against Bilbao, who are strong at home. They worked hard and made life difficult for the hosts and took the lead early on thanks to a tidy finish from Altintop. Dominik Kohr (26’) and Dong-Won Ji (34’) had chances to double the lead before the break but failed to convert, meaning the Swabians were 1-0 up at the interval.
"The team are in good shape. We gave it our all for 90 minutes and are optimistic for the future,” explained head coach Markus Weinzierl after the game
Bilbao step it up after the break
The hosts put FCA under more pressure after the break and they stood firm during the opening exchanges. The fluid 4-2-3-1 system adopted by Bilbao meant that Augsburg were often under pressure but they were resolute.
Alexander Esswein (58’, 60’) had two good chances to restore their lead after Aduriz levelled the scores but his profligacy in front of goal proved costly as two further goals meant that the Spanish side came out on top tonight.
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FC Schalke 04 and FC Augsburg got their Europa League campaigns under way this evening with away matches. The Royal Blues came out on top in Cyprus, but FCA tasted defeat in Spain.
Andre Breitenreiter’s men beat APOEL Nicosia 3-0 thanks to goals from Joel Matip (28’) and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (35’/71’). Having been in the Champions League in each of the last three seasons, as well six of the last 10, S04 have adapted well to playing in Europe’s secondary club competition.
Sané replaces Choupo-Moting
André Breitenreiter made one change to the side that beat FSV Mainz 05 at the weekend. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has been suffering with illness recently, was replaced by Germany U19 international Leroy Sané in the starting XI.
Schalke hit the ground running and almost took the lead after eight minutes but Max Meyer’s effort smacked off the crossbar. A stunning long range effort from Johannes Geis also struck the woodwork 14 minutes later.
Schalke’s dominance was rewarded after 28 minutes thanks to a powerful header from Joel Matip, who also netted against Mainz last time out. The lead was doubled by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar before the interval.
Goretzka has one ruled out
Breitenreiter’s men continued to create the better chances after the break and they were also solid at the back. Germany U21 captain Leon Goretzka had a goal ruled out for offside but the lead was extended before full time thanks to Huntelaar’s second of the evening. The hosts were reduced to 10 men before the interval thanks to Tomas De Vincenti’s dismissal.
Augsburg taste defeat on opening night
FC Augsburg took the lead in their opening Europa League match but an Athletic Bilbao comeback meant that they lost 3-1 in Spain. Halil Altintop put them in front after 15 minutes but a brace from Aritz Aduriz (55’, 66’) and an injury time strike from Markel Susaeta turned the game around.
FCA impress on debut
"We performed well, the result was the only thing that we lacked,” sporting director Stefan Reuter told Sky.
FCA put in a brave performance against Bilbao, who are strong at home. They worked hard and made life difficult for the hosts and took the lead early on thanks to a tidy finish from Altintop. Dominik Kohr (26’) and Dong-Won Ji (34’) had chances to double the lead before the break but failed to convert, meaning the Swabians were 1-0 up at the interval.
"The team are in good shape. We gave it our all for 90 minutes and are optimistic for the future,” explained head coach Markus Weinzierl after the game
Bilbao step it up after the break
The hosts put FCA under more pressure after the break and they stood firm during the opening exchanges. The fluid 4-2-3-1 system adopted by Bilbao meant that Augsburg were often under pressure but they were resolute.
Alexander Esswein (58’, 60’) had two good chances to restore their lead after Aduriz levelled the scores but his profligacy in front of goal proved costly as two further goals meant that the Spanish side came out on top tonight.
