It was a mixed evening for the Bundesliga’s Europa League participants on the competition’s third matchday. FC Schalke 04 claimed a 1-0 win away at Russian side FC Krasnodar in their Group I clash, putting them three points clear at the top of Group I.
Going into the game, both Schalke and Krasnodar stood on six points from their previous two encounters, and the team from Gelsenkirchen knew to expect a real test on unfamiliar ground. Olympic silver medallist Max Meyer was influential, especially in the early stages, having a good effort saved by the Krasnodar goalkeeper and firing narrowly over a few minutes later.
It was summer signing Yevhen Konoplyanka who scored what proved to be the winning goal after just 10 minutes, firing a brilliant volley into the top corner from around 20 yards. The home side put the Royal Blues under heavy pressure in the second half but under the influence of Benedikt Höwedes, who was celebrating his 300th appearance for the club, ensured that they came away with the win, despite the absence of Germany U21 international Leon Goretzka, among others. Schalke now hold a three point lead over second-place Krasnodar and a six point advantage on OGC Nice in third place.
Mainz miss the chance to go top despite taking early lead
1. FSV Mainz 05 faced the challenge of Belgian side RSC Anderlecht at home in their third game in Group C. Mainz got off to a strong start, going 1-0 ahead after 11 minutes through Yunus Malli’s penalty. Despite their dominance, they were unable to notch a second goal, and were pegged back in the 65th minute by a header from Anderlecht’s Lukasz Teodorczyk.
Mainz will not be delighted with a point in a game they very much could have won, but they still have control over their own fate in their quest to reach the knockout stages. After three games, Group C is finally poised, with Anderlecht, Mainz and ASSE St. Étienne all sitting on 5 points, and FK Qabala on 0.
Both Schalke and Mainz will be back in Bundesliga action on Sunday afternoon, as the two prepare to meet each other at the VELTINS-Arena, kicking off at 17:30 CEST. Schalke will be looking to continue their recovery after a poor start to the season, but Mainz have made an solid start to proceedings and will themselves be looking to build further on their positive results.
