Bayern Munich: 4-0 Win Over Schalke Cements Bundesliga Table

It was one of FC Schalke 04’s better games this season. But die Knappen could not convert any of their many chances throughout the 90 minutes against giants Bayern Munich. The Rekordmeister was more clinical, winning the game decisively 4-0 thanks to another record goal by Robert Lewandowski (33′), a brace by Thomas Müller (54′ & 88′), and David Alaba (90′). 

The scoreline was perhaps more decisive than the balance of play. Lewandowski’s eighth goal on the road, which is a new record, and Müller’s goal mask a Schalke performance that saw the Royal Blues create plenty of chances. While Matthew Hoppe was without a look at the goal this time, Mark Uth had several opportunities to test goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. 

Chances created will give Schalke some hope. But there are also some cold hard facts to digest for the Royal Blues. Bayern outshot Schalke 31 to 13, had 60% possession, and forced nine big stops from Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann (full stats).

There is also another cold hard truth. Schalke are now eight points behind 1.FC Köln, which occupy the playoff relegation spot. The gap to a non-relegation spot is even bigger, a full ten points, probably too much to overcome with just 16 games left this season. 

With that in mind, it is difficult to imagine that Schalke could somehow avoid the drop at the end of the season. Relegation would be the consequence of many years of mismanagement and a transfer policy unparalleled in German football. Schalke is one of the best clubs in the world when it comes to youth development. 

That was further underlined on Sunday. In Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sané, and Manuel Neuer, three Schalke prospects had an impact. Unfortunately, all three play for Bayern Munich. Two more Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting—he came off the bench—and replacement keeper Alexander Nübel also have a Schalke past. 

Goretzka and Nübel, in particular, demonstrate Schalke’s problems in recent years. Too much talent has left the club without a proper financial return. The talent drain and poor talent recruitment have led to a financially difficult situation off the field and seemingly beyond repair on the field. As a result, Schalke has often been compared to Hamburger SV, another giant, who has struggled after being relegated to Bundesliga 2 three years ago. 

At a closer glance, however, the situation is far more dangerous for Schalke than it ever was for Hamburg. Structurally, Gelsenkirchen is far more similar to Kaiserslautern than the rich Hansastadt located in the north of Germany. 1.FC Kaiserslautern, once a giant in German football, is stuck in the bottom-end of 3.Liga. 

Therefore, the Bayern result further worsens Schalke’s situation and might even have cemented the club’s relegation. But what about the other end of the table? Bayern Munich is now seven points clear of RB Leipzig. The Rekordmeister has never been flashy this season, but unlike their closest competitors, first and foremost, Borussia Dortmund has been consistent. 

With that in mind, Bayern’s victory will, without a doubt, lead to a ninth Bundesliga title in a row. Sure Bayern is the best club team in Europe. But as pointed out by Keith Costigan on the recent Gegenpressing Pod, Borussia Dortmund’s identity as a youth academy club has led to a scenario in which players see the club just as a stepping stone club to bigger things, which, in turn, means the Black and Yellows lack the identity and, perhaps, character to truly challenge the Rekordmeister. 

Dortmund falling behind means RB Leipzig is now Germany’s second team. But the Red Bull financed club has been in existence for just 12 years and still needs to form the sort of identity that allows Bayern to win on poor form. Leipzig certainly plays great football and has the talent to rival Bayern. But the club still lacks the killer instinct to see of the likes of Mainz the same way Bayern’s robots seem to do it year in and year out. 

Manuel Veth is the editor-in-chief of the Futbolgrad Network and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth