Nigerian Star On Target As Augsburg Stun Schalke 04

Schalke 04’s hopes for a Europa League spot suffered a huge blow as Augsburg produced a masterclass to stun their host thanks to goals from Eduard Loewen, Noah-Joel Sarenren-Bazee and Sergio Cordova.

Schalke went into the game looking to bounce back after suffering a 4-0 loss to arch-rivals, Borussia Dortmund, last weekend.

However, they got off to the worst possible start as Eduard Loewen’s freekick put Augsburg ahead six minutes into the game.

It proved to be the only goal of the half despite Schalke’s attempts to get back on level terms. The second half kicked off with David Wagner’s men pressing for an equaliser.

But it was Augsburg who doubled their advantage through Nigeria’s Noah Joel Sarenren-Bazee who fired home after Schalke’s defence failed to clear.

The German-born Nigerian was introduced in the 57th minute for just his fourth appearance of the season, and he grabbed the opportunity by firing home from close range.

Sergio Cordova capped up a fine win for Heiko Herrlich’s men with a 90th-minute strike. Augsburg suffered a 2-1 home loss to Wolfsburg last time out, but Sunday’s stunning victory at Veltins Arena puts that loss behind them.

They now sit in 12th place while Schalke’s hopes for European football suffered a massive blow as they stay in eighth place.