FC Schalke vs Union Berlin player ratings: Keep clawing

FC Schalke played host to Union Berlin as they tried to repair their home issues. Here are the player ratings for the match.

If FC Schalke had any semblance of consistency at home, they’d be atop the table, but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. So when they played host to Union Berlin, there were lingering concerns, especially given how strong Union Berlin have looked in recent matches, having won three in a row, as well as the caliber of opponents they have dealt with.

The match didn’t look the way Schalke would have wanted it to, despite David Wagner choosing a starting XI that I had literally zero complaints with. It was perfect.

Despite only mustering one clear chance in the first half, what a chance it was. Ozan Kabak headed down a beautiful delivery from Bastian Ozcipka and Benito Raman thumped home a ridiculously beautiful goal to give Die Knappen the early lead at the 23rd minute mark.

Unfortunately, Union Berlin would soon equalize. While some may say they “deserved” the goal, it was from a flop that lead to a penalty that shouldn’t have been given. Still though, Schalke just missed that killer pass, that final product, and it reeked of lacking confidence.

The second half swung more in Schalke’s favor, but the trend continued of lacking that final ball to give themselves the lead. However, they finally did turn that corner via some familiar faces who had, up to that point, struggled to get into the match. Three points is three points, and while the match had some slips, overall, as you’ll see from the ratings, there was a lot to be happy about across the board.

Here are the player ratings.