Julian Draxler
Schalke 04 on Saturday evening beat Bundesliga newcomers Greuther Furth 2-0 at the Trolli Arena as Lewis Holtby grabbed a late goal after Julian Draxler had opened the scoring early in the second half.
Schalke had an early chance in the second minute when an attempt by Jermaine Jones with his right foot from outside the box was saved in the bottom right corner by the keeper.
Ten minutes later, in the 12th minute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar supplied a cross which was met by the head of Julian Draxler from close range but his attempt was just a bit too high.
In the 18th minute, the home side had their first attempt at goal in the match. Sercan Sararer’s right footed shot from outside the box was close, but it missed to the left.
In the closing stages of the first half, Hunterlaar had a chance to draw first blood for the visitors. The Dutch international’s right footed shot from 12-yards out from goal was just a bit too high in the 39th minute.
Whatever Schalke coach Huub Stevens told his charges at half time must have been an earful as his side came out from the break rejuvenated and instantly took the lead three minutes into the second stanza.
Julian Draxler’s right footed shot from long range on the left flank went straight to the high centre of the goal to make it 1-0 in the 48th minute.
In the 57th minute the home side went looking for the equaliser and Edgar Prib’s left footed shot from outside the box missed to the right of goal following a corner kick.
Ten minutes from time Bernd Nehrig had a chance of his own for Furth when his right footed shot from outside the box was a bit high and wide to the right.
In the 85th minute Stevens made his second substitution when he replaced Julian Draxler with Tranquillo Barnetta and substitution paid dividends immediately.
After three minutes coming on there was great play from Barnetta to set up Schalke’s second goal which Holtby extended.