Leeds United came up against Schalke 04 in a friendly match during their pre-season trip to Germany, facing a 2. Bundesliga side for the second time in a week.
The Whites had faced Hannover 96 earlier in the week, overcoming them 4-1 in a convincing display, with goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe and a Mateo Joseph double.
In a tougher encounter this time around, Daniel Farke’s side would still find a way to win, with two second half goals proving the difference against a strong Schalke side.
In the opening 10 minutes there was an effort from each side on goal, as Paul Seguin and Willy Gnonto both looked to break the deadlock early on.
A big chance then came for the German outfit, with Illan Meslier forced into making a good save when Kenan Karaman was through one-on-one, but the ‘keeper denied him.
Two more shots on goal then came for Leeds, with Georginio Rutter going close. He forced Ron Thorben Hoffmann into two quick stops, after receiving clever passes from Ethan Ampadu and then Joseph.
A final big chance before the break also came for Leeds. A corner landed kindly for Gnonto on the edge of the box, he struck a first time volley, only to see it cleared off the line by the outstretched leg of Janik Bachmann.
An opening 45 minutes which saw a battle ended goalless, as both teams returned to their dressing rooms to receive instruction for the second half.
Changes were made at the interval. Farke brought on Karl Darlow, Sam Byram, Pascal Struijk and Gruev.
A fast break from Georginio saw Leeds begin the quicker of the two teams after the restart, as he played Gnonto who had his shot saved once more, but the team wouldn’t have to wait long to open the scoring.
From a free-kick, Joe Rothwell played a clever ball out to Jayden Bogle on the wing who had found space, he volleyed first time into the box and Joseph was well positioned to head home and put his side ahead!
The opening goal was a combination that had worked well in the previous game against Hannover and then, just short of 10 minutes later, the lead was doubled.
With Leeds now well on top in the game, another clever set-play routine saw Rothwell pass a short corner to Georginio, who turned and crossed to the back post for Piroe – who was fresh off the bench - to power a header home.
With a two-goal advantage and following an intense week of training, Farke then made more changes in the final 20 minutes, as Joe Gelhardt, Luca Thomas, James Debayo, Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers all got vital minutes.
The clash was brought to an end and another good workout for the team, with another impressive victory, brought the pre-season trip to Germany to a close.
Leeds: Meslier (GK) (Darlow 45’), Bogle (Debayo 71’), Firpo (Byram 45’), Ampadu (Gruev 45’) Rothwell (Chambers 84’), Aaronson (Piroe 58’), Rodon, Joseph (Crew 71’), Georginio (Gelhardt 71’), Gnonto (Thomas 84’), Wober (Struijk 45’). Subs not used: Cairns (GK).
Referee: Felix Weller
Booked: Donkor (Schalke) Wober (Leeds)