FC 08 Homburg - FC Schalke 04 - Match Report

Schalke progress to the second round of the DFB Cup

Schalke progressed to the second round of the DFB Cup on Saturday evening after beating fifth-tier outfit FC Homburg by three goals to nil in front of a crowd of 18,800. Jefferson Farfan (45'), Halil Altintop (55') and Kevin Kuranyi (67') were on target for the Royal Blues.

Schalke boss Fred Rutten opted for the same eleven players who started last week's friendly at Alemannia Aachen. Benedikt Höwedes partnered Marcelo Bordon in central defence, Christian Pander began at left-back and Ivan Rakitic was at left wing alongside Kevin Kuranyi and Jefferson Farfan.
It was no easy game for the Royal Blues. In a 4-5-1 formation the home side produced some brisk attacking movements, especially in the first period, and defended deep inside their own half whenever Schalke were in possession. The Royal Blues struggled to get going as a result, their passing play frequently inaccurate, particularly in the opening stages.

Homburg took advantage and carved out their first chance in the ninth minute. Michael Petri, operating as a lone striker, collected a pass in the Schalke penalty area and unleashed a shot just as he was falling, only to see the ball roll wide of Mathias Schober's goal.

The Royal Blues had to wait until the 20th minute for their first opportunity, but Marcelo Bordon's shot from 16 metres out flew past the upright.  Shortly afterwards Ivan Rakitic popped up in front of the Homburg goal to meet Jefferson Farfan's cross, his effort producing a last-gasp save from Thorsten Hodel.

In the ensuing period Schalke tightened their grip on the proceedings, though the final ball often lacked accuracy. But they finally had reason to celebrate on the stroke of half-time when Farfan headed home Heiko Westermann's cross to open the scoring.

The second half began with two openings for the home side, but both Muftawu (48') and Rheinheimer (49') were unable to get the final touch. And on 55 the Royal Blues showed them how it should be done, Halil Altintop heading home the excellent Farfan's cross to make it 2-0.

Schalke were now looking better going forward and fashioned further chances for Farfan and Fabian Ernst before Kevin Kuranyi extended their lead on 67. The Germany international climbed highest to head Christian Pander's free-kick in off the underside of the bar.

That ended the game as a contest, with Homburg's brisk tempo beginning to take its toll, and the Royal Blues moved into the next round on merit thanks to an improved second-half performance. The second round ties are scheduled to take place on 23/24 September.

FC Schalke 04: Schober - Westermann, Höwedes, Bordon, Pander - Ernst, Engelaar (Kobiashvili 78'), Jones - Farfan (Asamoah 71'), Kuranyi, Rakitic (Altintop 51')
FC 08 Homburg: Hodel - Otto, Kirsch, Weber, Seibert - Holste, Rheinheimer, Houllé (Mansfeld 59'), Muftawu, Turnau (Ochs 74') - Petri (Fabio Dio Parlapoco Di 81')
Goals:  0-1 Farfan (45'), 0-2 Altintop (55'), 0-3 Kuranyi (67')
Attendance: 18,800
Referee: Michael Kempter
Yellow cards: Kuranyi - Muftawu