Friday's Bundesliga Review: Schalke Slam St. Pauli

Schalke finally played to their potential this afternoon, albeit against an out of form St. Pauli side. Just days after Felix Magath criticized summer signing and Spanish legend Raul for not being enough of a goal threat, he’s stepped up to the plate and delivered. Raul’s brace and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s header sealed the win for Schalke, and one that they ultimately deserved.

St. Pauli had some strong spells, but struggled to break through a Schalke back-four that looked surprisingly solid for a change. Japan international Atsuto Uchida was brilliant in overlapping down the right flank, and it was his cross that led to Schalke’s opener. Felix Magath will be delighted with the win, and delighted with the clean sheet as well.

This result digs Schalke out of the relegation zone, but Magath will not be pleased until his side are challenging for a Champions League spot again. It’ll take some hard work, some determination and a considerable amount of luck, but if anyone can pull it off it’s Felix Magath. The man is renowned for working miracles. Let’s not forget his Bundesliga title win with Wolfsburg that came from out of nowhere.

Next weekend, Schalke travel to Wolfsburg, which will definitely be a spectacle. Magath will take on his old club, and if he can get the win, he’ll really be on the up in terms of his league position. Schalke’s squad is talented and relatively deep, and as long as they can remain consistent, there is every chance that they’ll secure a Champions League spot once again this season.