The worn-out Schalke around match winner Simon Terodde let their loud fans celebrate extensively. Coach Thomas Reis' team deservedly won 1-0 (1-0) against FSV Mainz 05 and regained courage in the fight against relegation from the Bundesliga.
In front of 58,256 spectators in Gelsenkirchen, Terodde scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute for the aggressive and this time also playfully strong hosts. The second division record scorer ensured the first win after seven defeats in a row and the first success under Reis in the third game.
“In the end, shaking the win with the whole stadium is pure relief before the winter break to set an example here again,” said Terodde on Sky. "We definitely deserved it today."
Schalke remains last with nine points, but is only two points behind Hertha BSC in the relegation rank. It was the third defeat in a row for Mainz, who are placed in the middle of the table. "We haven't done enough - in all areas," said Mainz sporting director Martin Schmidt.
Terodde stays cool
"We want to act courageously without cramping up," Reis said before the game and Schalke actually got into the game well. Half the arena was already celebrating in the ninth minute when Florent Mollet's free-kick grazed the side netting. A minute later, all Schalke cheered. Alex Král passed Terodde and the center forward didn't miss his chance in front of Mainz keeper Robin Zentner. Reis, as always very agile on the sidelines, showed both fists and exuberantly celebrated his first home goal as Schalke coach.
Mainz also struggled on the offensive, but didn't get through at first - in contrast to Schalke. Terodde appeared again in front of Zentner, but put the ball a little too far in front of him. Král also just missed the goal after half an hour.
The Royal Blues played unusually quickly and purposefully up front, while at the back they threw themselves into the visitors' attempts to attack. The S04 fans honored the commitment of their team with loud applause for every ball win and every tackle.
Ingvartsen forgives
Even after the change of sides, Schalke remained grippy in the duels and hardly allowed Mainz to develop. However, they could not completely prevent Mainz chances. The hosts were lucky that 05 striker Marcus Ingvartsen shot over the goal from a good position (54'). Almost in return, Kenan Karaman failed after a good Terodde cross at Zentner.
Unlike in many previous games, the hosts struck the right balance between offense and defense this time. Mainz never built up a real pressure phase during the game. Unlike Schalke, who play against FC Bayern on Saturday: Marius Bülter only hit the post in the final phase (86th).
