Berlin (AFP) – With both their strikers having ended goal droughts, Schalke are eyeing a Champions League win at home against Galatasaray on Tuesday to edge them closer to a place in the last 16.
Despite losing their first five games this season in the Bundesliga, Schalke have showed far better form in Europe and sit second in Group D on five points, just two behind leaders Porto and one ahead of Galatasaray.
The home match presents a great chance for Schalke to edge closer to a first appearance in the knockout stages since losing to Real Madrid in the last 16 in 2014/15.
Having picked up a point with a goalless draw against Galatasaray in Istanbul two weeks ago, Schalke want to beat the Turkish giants by building on their improved domestic form under coach Domenico Tedesco, 33.
Schalke beat Hanover 3-1 on Saturday in the Bundesliga, lifting them to 14th, having progressed in the German Cup with a penalty shootout win against Cologne last Wednesday, which ended a three-match goalless run.
“As the saying goes ‘The trend is your friend’ and that’s true for us,” said Schalke’s sports director Christian Heidel.
“We are on the right path.
“On Tuesday, we have a huge chance, not just in terms of qualifying for the knockout stages, but also putting ourselves in a good position.”
Crucially, both Schalke forwards Breel Embolo and Mark Uth ended barren spells in front of goal at home to Hanover.
Swiss striker Embolo hit his first goal in 331 minutes, after missing four clear chances in the away match against Galatasaray.
Uth finally scored his first goal for Schalke after more than a thousand minutes in the Royal Blues shirt since joining from Hoffenheim.
“The fans were very patient with me,” said Uth. “It took a long time, much too long (to score).
“I am just happy that I can could finally give something back — there was a huge sense of relief after I scored,” he added.
