Bundesliga
Huub Stevens' return to Schalke ended in disappointment as RB Leipzig registered a club record fifth straight away win, Timo Werner's goal enough to earn them all three points at the Veltins Arena.
Goals: 0-1 Werner (14')
Stevens was back on the Schalke bench 2282 days after his second and last spell in charge had come to an end, but the man voted by the club's fans as their coach of the century had inherited a team whose confidence levels were still visibly ravaged. Kevin Kampl had the chance to compound the hosts' insecurity, but he shot straight at goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who then made a spectacular save to deny Yussuf Poulsen. Schalke were unable to clear their lines, though, and the ball finally fell for Werner, who tucked it in from close range. Salif Sane volleyed over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area as Schalke rolled up their sleeves and accepted the fight, Mark Uth wasting another good chance for the hosts before Poulsen curled an effort wide of the far post just prior to half-time.
Sensing the severity of the situation, Schalke's fans found their voices and gave their team their full backing and encouragement. It appeared to be helping too as Breel Embolo and Uth both had chances to level. Stevens gambled by bringing Ahmed Kutucu on for Sebastian Rudy, and it was not long before Guido Burgstaller entered the fray for Uth. As the game entered into its final 15 minutes, Suat Serdar struck a rising volley just over the crossbar and Burgstaller went even closer as the hosts sent everything forward in search of an equaliser. Weston McKennie was also pushed into a more attacking role for the final few minutes as Stevens rolled the dice one last time, but not even the USA international could help the Royal Blues salvage a point as they drew yet another blank at home, leaving them in a precarious position, just three points above the relegation zone.
Line-ups
Schalke: Nübel – Bruma, Sane, Nastasic, Oczipka – Stambouli (c), Serdar (Skrzybski 86') – McKennie, Rudy (Kutucu 60'), Embolo – Uth (Burgstaller 73')
Unused subs: Fährmann, Mendyl, Konoplyanka, Riether
Out: Caligiuri (ankle), Schöpf (knee), Mascarell (groin)
Interim coach: Huub Stevens
Leipzig: Gulacsi – Klostermann, Konate, Orban (c), Halstenberg – Sabitzer, Adams, Kampl (Haidara 77') – Forsberg (Laimer 67') – Poulsen, Werner (Mukiele 88')
Unused subs: Mvogo, Saracchi, Cunha, Augustin
Out: Demme (flu), Upamecano (knee), Smith Rowe (groin)
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Watch: Adams discusses Jesse Marsch's role in his development at Leipzig