S04 (0 - 0) VfB – 22nd Minute
Schalke's left-back floats a long ball down the left wing. It's coming straight toward their attacking midfielder, who's tightly marked by one of Stuttgart's center-backs.
As the ball drops, the attacker gives a subtle shove to create separation. He takes it down with a touch so clean it could be a highlight on its own—cutting inside from left to right with his right foot in one smooth motion.
The defender reacts a second too slow, and suddenly the attacker's blown past him.
It's a dangerous 2v1—attacking mid and striker versus the lone Stuttgart center-back, who's keeping his eye on the man with the ball. No time to think. It's action or nothing.
The second center-back rushes in to cover and slides in just as the attacker winds up—but it's a fake. The attacker cuts again and finally unleashes a shot.
This one's tame. Right at the keeper. Easy save.
And Stuttgart's keeper wastes no time. He looks up, scanning for options—and there's Che on the right wing, waving for it with space in front of him.
The keeper throws it long, Che brings it down cleanly, and he's off.
The whole pitch is out of shape—no support, no runners, just Che against half of Schalke's squad. But he doesn't hesitate.
Still hugging the right touchline, Che starts drifting inside, straight toward the heart of Schalke's midfield. Five defenders. Two center-backs in front. Two mids chasing him down. The left-back tracking wide.
He should slow down. But he won't.
He drives forward, eyes locked on the thin gap between the center-backs. They spot it and close in, thinking they've got him boxed.
Then—boom. He switches pace and darts straight through them.
They crash into each other trying to stop him. Che's past. And now he's charging toward the penalty box.
The Schalke keeper hesitates—should he stay back or rush out?
He chooses the second option—sprints out.
Che touches the ball once more as he enters the half circle just outside the box. The keeper drops low, trying to smother the angle.
But Che fakes the shot and bursts right around him.
The keeper lunges—misses the ball—and clips Che's ankle. Che stumbles, off balance, and falls into the box.
Whistle.
But it's not a penalty.
The ref jogs over, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a red card.
Straight dismissal.
No argument from the keeper. He knows what he's done. He just walks.
Stuttgart's players surround the ref, trying to argue that Che went down in the box.
Close. But not close enough. Free kick outside the area.
Schalke sub off their left winger to bring on their backup keeper.
Substitution: In: Ty Uchmann (GK) ⬅ Out: Fadih Vasić (LW)
Schalke now switch to a 4-3-2.
Che places the ball down just outside the box, eyes locked on the goal.
"You think you can make it?"
Che just grins. "You think I can't?"