It would have been very important points to get some air early on in what is likely to be a very tight relegation battle. Instead, Schalke had to admit defeat to their direct competitor FC Augsburg on Sunday evening with a score of 2:3. The Royal Blues even played outnumbered for almost half an hour, but this was never noticed after Mergim Berisha was sent yellow and red.

From the point of view of the S04, the first half was possibly the worst performance of the season so far. Only long balls were played, which never led to dangerous actions. While Simon Terodde was able to at least tie one or the other ball and score the 1:2 goal (33rd minute), Sebastian Polter again seemed like a foreign body. Nevertheless, Frank Kramer left him on the pitch for the full 97 minutes.

Tom Krauss scored the 2:2 in the 63rd minute. Both Schalke goals were the result of fast, flat combinations. But that didn't stop Kramer from asking for the long balls again and again.

A few minutes after FCA were outnumbered, Andre Hahn scored to make it 2-3. Thus, the club from Bavaria takes home three very important points.

Another disadvantage for the Gelsenkircheners: With Sepp van den Berg there will probably be a regular player who will be out for a few weeks. The young central defender had a bad ankle and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. At first there was talk of a "suspected ankle injury". After the game, Rouven Schröder said it could even be a break. Further investigation will determine the extent.

This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Despite the majority: Schalke loses against Augsburg - reactions to the game.