Bundesliga: Bayern stumble for the first time this season as Schalke celebrate 0-0 draw

The Schalke fans celebrated a 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich as if their team had won the German championship. Chants of “Take the lederhosen off Bayern” rang out at Joshua Kimmich and his teammates after the visitors failed to break down a fiercely committed Schalke side.

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We had three great chances, and he, Karius, saved them. That was the key reason we did not win this game. Otherwise, the statistics speak entirely for us.

Bayern had 74 percent possession and an 11-0 advantage in corners. Yet Schalke threw themselves into every shot and challenge, preventing Bayern from recording an 11th consecutive Bundesliga victory over them. The return of Germany international Jamal Musiala could not prevent what amounted to a minor setback for the Munich club.

Manuel Neuer said Bayern had created three clear chances, but Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius stopped them all. “We had three great chances, and he, Karius, saved them. That was the key reason we did not win this game. Otherwise, the statistics speak entirely for us,” Neuer told Sky.

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It is always nice to come back here. I spent 20 years at this club, learned everything here and grew up here. My family was here. A win would have felt good. Some of my family will be happy and say: That is okay. I enjoyed it today.

For Neuer, the match carried a personal significance. He believes it may have been his final appearance at the Veltins-Arena, where he spent 20 years and grew up as a player. “It is always nice to come back here. I spent 20 years at this club, learned everything here and grew up here. My family was here. A win would have felt good. Some of my family will be happy and say: That is okay. I enjoyed it today.”

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I am enjoying it. I could not have imagined it being more beautiful. Everyone here ran the extra mile.

Schalke, playing their first Bundesliga home match in more than three years, celebrated every tackle and defensive action. Robin Gosens praised the team’s effort, while Karius credited his teammates for working until they could do no more. Neuer, meanwhile, was booed during the warm-up and targeted with chants by Schalke supporters.

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The boys worked until they could do no more. That is who we are, and it defines us. Today, everyone can be proud of their performance.