Meyer strikes twice as Schalke down Hoffenheim
Gelsenkirchen - FC Schalke 04 provided the best possible response to last week’s Revierderby defeat by notching a 3-1 home win against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Meyer double
The Royal Blues dominated proceedings from the off at the Veltins Arena, going into the break with a 2-0 lead after exquisite strikes from Christian Fuchs and Max Meyer, with the latter making it three after the restart before Kevin Volland's consolation effort 15 minute from time.
Hoping to shake off Matchday 23’s defeat at bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund, Schalke started the match confidently, bossing both rhythm and possession against a deep-lying Hoffenheim side. Their dominance paid dividends twelve minutes into the game, Fuchs’ fine half-volley leaving Oliver Bauman with no chance between the 1899 sticks. The hosts then carved out several chances before Meyer doubled their advantage, the Schalke gem slotting home from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s pinpoint cross.
Roberto Di Matteo’s men remained the dominant side also after the break, continuously passing their way towards the visitors' goal. Choupo-Moting was at the heart of most their promising action and the Cameroon captain again setting up Meyer nicely for the 19-year-old to coolly beat Baumann. Hoffenheim threw bodies forward trying to find a way back into the game, but Volland’s strike from the edge of the box proved too little, too late on a disappointing afternoon for Markus Gisdol’s side.
Line-ups and statistics
