Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was the hero for Champions League last 16 qualifiers Schalke yesterday as his second-half penalty save sealed his side’s 1-0 win at Mainz.
After striker Jefferson Farfan put Schalke ahead with a goal after 30 minutes, there was drama when Neuer had a penalty awarded against him after he brought down Hungary striker Adam Szalai with just over 20 minutes left.
But he saved the day for the Royal Blues when he stopped the spot-kick from Mainz’s Germany squad member Andre Schuerrle to give Schalke their fourth win from their last six league games.
Victory saw Schalke move up to 10th in the German league, while Mainz stay fourth in the table as leaders Dortmund finish the weekend with an 11-point lead.