Schalke grind out narrow win despite underwhelming display | OneFootball

Although the hosts controlled large spells of the game, they struggled to turn that dominance into clear-cut chances, eventually relying on a second-half strike from Kenan Karaman to secure all three points.

As expected, Schalke dictated proceedings from the outset, pinning Karlsruhe back and spending much of the opening period in the visitors’ half. However, their attacking play lacked sharpness, with the absence of Edin Džeko perhaps evident in the final third.

Their best moment of the first half arrived midway through, when Karaman thought he had opened the scoring after meeting a free-kick at the back post, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. It proved to be a sign of things to come, as Schalke’s dominance yielded little reward and the sides went into the break goalless.

The hosts emerged after the restart with greater urgency. Adil Aouchiche came close within five minutes, capitalising on a loose pass from Marcel Franke, but Karlsruhe goalkeeper Hans Christian Bernat reacted well to keep the scores level.

Schalke’s persistence was eventually rewarded in the 72nd minute. Moussa N’Diaye delivered an inviting cross across the face of goal, and Karaman produced an improvised header with the back of his head, looping the ball over Bernat to finally break the deadlock.

Rather than push for a second, Schalke appeared content to protect their lead, allowing Karlsruhe to grow into the game in the closing stages. The visitors nearly snatched a late equaliser from a set-piece, as Stephen Ambrosius rose highest to meet a corner, but Loris Karius was alert to the danger and ensured the hosts held on.

The victory marks a return to form for Schalke at the third attempt and keeps them at the top of the table heading into the final six games. Karlsruhe, meanwhile, continue their inconsistent run and end the weekend in ninth place.