Schalke 04 II vs Preußen Münster II — Match Details

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Preußen Münster II

Schalke 04 II beat Preußen Münster II 4-1 in a pre-season friendly in Billerbeck, with substitute Mauro Zalazar scoring twice in the second half.

Match Analysis

AI Summary

How it unfolded

The match was played on the grass pitch at the Billerbeck Sportzentrum (Helker Berg 1), where Schalke's U23 squad has been based during their summer training camp. The first half was a tight affair, with the deadlock broken only five minutes before the break. Joel Imasuen opened the scoring for Schalke in the 40th minute, sending the Royal Blues into half-time with a 1-0 lead.

Schalke emerged with greater intensity after the restart. Andri Buzolli doubled the lead in the 57th minute, finishing after a goalmouth scramble during which Yassin Ben Balla had struck the post. Münster refused to fold, however, and pulled one back three minutes later when Franz Lischewski rose unmarked at the far post to head home from a cross, making it 2-1.

Fimpel then introduced six substitutes around the hour mark, including first-team training guests Martin Wasinski, Steve Noode and Mauro Zalazar. The impact was immediate. In the 67th minute, Buzolli's powerful free-kick was parried by the Münster goalkeeper, and Zalazar was quickest to react, tapping in the rebound from close range to restore Schalke's two-goal cushion.

The former SC Braga youth forward made the game safe in the 84th minute, notching his second of the afternoon to complete a 4-1 scoreline. Münster's Lischewski required treatment after a heavy challenge but was able to continue, while Schalke U19 graduate Amar Ibrisimovic cleared a late Münster corner under pressure.

The turning point

The 63rd-minute triple substitution — introducing Wasinski, Noode and Zalazar — changed the dynamic of the match. Schalke had been in control but vulnerable after Lischewski's header. Zalazar's predatory instincts from Buzolli's saved free-kick within four minutes of his arrival killed any hope of a Münster comeback.

Key performers

Mauro Zalazar — the on-loan attacking midfielder, training with the U23 from the first-team squad, demonstrated sharp finishing with two goals in 21 minutes of action. His movement off the shoulder of the defence and reaction play in the box were a level above the friendly opposition.

Andri Buzolli — a goal and an assist from central midfield. His 57th-minute strike broke Münster's resistance, and his free-kick forced the save that led to Zalazar's first goal.

Joel Imasuen — opened the scoring with a well-taken finish just before half-time, setting the tone for Schalke's second-half dominance.

By the numbers — interpreted

Schalke's 4-1 scoreline reflected a second-half surge rather than a one-sided contest. The match was 1-0 at the break and competitive until Schalke's wave of substitutions. The Royal Blues created sustained pressure in the final third after the 60th minute, with Ben Balla hitting the post and Buzolli's free-kick forcing a save before the rebound was converted. Münster's goal from a set-piece — Lischewski's free header at the far post — exposed a momentary defensive lapse in Schalke's rearguard that was quickly corrected.

What it means

Schalke 04 II conclude their Billerbeck training camp with two wins from three pre-season friendlies (2-0 vs FC Gievenbeck, 0-3 vs FC Dordrecht, 4-1 vs Preußen Münster II). The squad will now prepare for the upcoming Regionalliga West season. Preußen Münster II, an Oberliga Westfalen side, continue their own pre-season programme with lessons to take from the defensive transitions that proved costly.

Verdict

A professional pre-season workout from Schalke's U23, who controlled the game after a sluggish first half and showed squad depth through impactful substitutes. Zalazar's double will be the headline, but the platform was built by Buzolli's midfield work and a solid collective performance in the second period.