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1.02.2024Bayer 04

From the archives: 70 years ago – victory at Schalke

Schalke 04 are level on points with FC Köln at the top of the Oberliga West in February 1945. The Werkself are mid-table with the same number of points as games and they travel to Gelsenkirchen with suitable respect on 7 February 1954.
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In front of 20,000 spectators at the Glückauf Kampfbahn, the Royal Blues bombard the goal minded brilliantly by Fredy Mutz. From the kick-off, it is a closely fought encounter with chances for both sides. With 28 minutes on the clock, centre forward Fritz Tiede beats two Schalke defenders and calmly slots the ball into the far corner of the net to make it 1-0. That is the scoreline at half-time.

The Royal Blues grow stronger after the restart but goalkeeper Fredy Mutz excels himself. And if it looks like he's beaten then a Leverkusen defender comes to the rescue.

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Referee Halfes from Rheydt awards a penalty to the hosts on 58 minutes for a handball by a Bayer Leverkusen player in the penalty area. The Schalke centre back Paul Matzkowski steps up and hammers the ball at the goal. Mutz goes the right way and makes the save. And he also keeps out a follow-up shot on the rebound. The ensuing minutes see urgent attacks by Schalke alongside clever counter-attacks by the Werkself but there are no more goals.

The eleven Leverkusen players raise their arms in celebration at the end of the game. A great defensive performance by the players from the paints town see them take both points from the Glückauf Kampfbahn providing help for the Goats from Cologne who go top of the Oberliga West on their own after a home win against Meidericher SV.

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