It was one of FC Schalke 04’s better games this season. But die Knappen could not convert any of their many chances throughout the 90 minutes against giants Bayern Munich. The Rekordmeister was more clinical, winning the game decisively 4-0 thanks to another record goal by Robert Lewandowski (33′), a brace by Thomas Müller (54′ & 88′), and David Alaba (90′).
The scoreline was perhaps more decisive than the balance of play. Lewandowski’s eighth goal on the road, which is a new record, and Müller’s goal mask a Schalke performance that saw the Royal Blues create plenty of chances. While Matthew Hoppe was without a look at the goal this time, Mark Uth had several opportunities to test goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Chances created will give Schalke some hope. But there are also some cold hard facts to digest for the Royal Blues. Bayern outshot Schalke 31 to 13, had 60% possession, and forced nine big stops from Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann (full stats).
There is also another cold hard truth. Schalke are now eight points behind 1.FC Köln, which occupy the playoff relegation spot. The gap to a non-relegation spot is even bigger, a full ten points, probably too much to overcome with just 16 games left this season.
With that in mind, it is difficult to imagine that Schalke could somehow avoid the drop at the end of the season. Relegation would be the consequence of many years of mismanagement and a transfer policy unparalleled in German football. Schalke is one of the best clubs in the world when it comes to youth development.