2 – 3
“Stefano Marino doubled Paderborn's lead to make it 2-0, giving the hosts what looked like a commanding cushion with the game barely past the quarter-hour mark after the opener.”
Pivotal“Dejan Ljubicic pulled one back for Schalke to make it 2-1, beginning what would become a stunning second-half comeback and giving the visitors belief before the interval.”
Pivotal“Adil Aouchiche levelled the match at 2-2 just five minutes after Ljubicic's goal, completing a dramatic five-minute turnaround and sending Schalke into half-time on level terms.”
Pivotal“Dejan Ljubicic struck his second of the match to give Schalke a 3-2 lead with just seven minutes remaining, a decisive blow that Paderborn could not recover from.”
Pivotal“A yellow card for time wasting in the final minute captured the tension of Paderborn's desperate attempts to hold on, but Schalke saw out the win.”
Paderborn
Schalke 04
Outstanding performance
Schalke 04•AttackerPaderborn looked to be coasting after Laurin Curda and Stefano Marino struck inside the first half-hour to put the hosts firmly in control, but Schalke refused to fold. Dejan Ljubicic began the fightback on 35 minutes, and five minutes later Adil Aouchiche had levelled it at 2-2 before the interval — a remarkable swing of momentum in the space of a single half. Schalke, who controlled possession at 55% and created five big chances to Paderborn's three, were the more composed side after the break, and Ljubicic delivered the killing blow on 83 minutes to complete a turnaround that will do serious damage to Paderborn's survival prospects. For Paderborn, the manner of the collapse — surrendering a two-goal lead largely within the context of their own half before conceding a late winner — will sting especially hard given where both clubs sit in the 2. Bundesliga standings, with relegation very much in the picture.
How entertaining was this match?
In the most important match of the 2. Bundesliga season so far, second-placed Paderborn host league leaders Schalke 04 in a direct promotion showdown at Home Deluxe Arena. With just three points separating the sides and automatic Bundesliga promotion on the line, Sunday's clash could define who goes up as champions — and who must sweat it out to the final whistle of the season.
