Schalke 04 claimed a 2:5 victory over Hallescher in the Round of 64 of the DFB Pokal at Ergas Sportpark on Sunday evening. The match stretched into extra time after Hallescher had levelled at 2:2 through Niclas Stierlin's goal in the 90th minute plus one.
Vin Kastull gave the hosts an early lead with a strike on the half-hour mark, but Dejan Ljubičić equalised for Schalke shortly after halftime. Edin Džeko restored the visitors' advantage from the penalty spot in the 81st minute before Stierlin's late response set up a dramatic finish.
Moussa Sylla broke the deadlock in extra time with a goal in the 98th minute, and Junior Adamu doubled his tally within a minute to put Schalke in control. Džeko sealed the result with his second goal of the match in the 117th minute, completing a comprehensive comeback.
Schalke were dominant in possession at 74 per cent and created seven big chances compared to Hallescher's two. The visitors registered 12 shots on target with an expected goals figure of 4.18, while Hallescher managed five shots on target and 0.7 expected goals. Schalke's 146 attacks dwarfed Hallescher's 90.
The result means Schalke progress to the next round of the competition. Hallescher's recent form included losses to Lokomotiv Leipzig and Schönningen, while Schalke had suffered defeats on their European tour against Real Madrid and Atalanta. The visitors will now look to build momentum ahead of their league campaign.
