Karius heroics deny Bayern as Schalke end 60-match scoring streak

Bayern Munich failed to score for the first time in 60 competitive matches as Schalke held them to a goalless draw in Gelsenkirchen.

The result extended Bayern’s unbeaten away run in the Bundesliga to 27 matches, but it also ended their record sequence of 67 consecutive matchdays at the top of the table.

With one eye on the Champions League, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany left several first-choice players on the bench for the Bundesliga fixture. However, his side made a lively start and created the first opportunities.

Alphonso Davies almost opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes when a cross-cum-shot drifted narrowly beyond the post. Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius was then forced into an excellent one-handed save to keep out Nathaniel Brown’s effort after the Bayern player had been set up by Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Schalke recovered from a couple of early defensive errors and grew into the contest. The hosts felt they should have been awarded two penalties, but both appeals were rejected by referee Robert Schroder.

The balance of the match shifted as the first half progressed, with the teams exchanging chances. Bayern came closest first when Ismael Saibari bent an attempt wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Schalke responded when Adil Aouchiche’s free-kick from just outside the box cleared the wall but was pushed away by Manuel Neuer.

Kompany reacted at half-time by sending on Harry Kane, but Bayern’s best chance of the match fell to another of their established players nine minutes after the restart.

Luis Diaz broke through the Schalke defence and lifted the ball over the advancing Karius. The effort appeared destined for the net, only for Hasan Kurucay to produce a heroic clearance from the goal-line.

Michael Olise was introduced soon afterwards and almost made an immediate impact. The France international raced down the right wing but directed his shot straight at Karius, who stood firm to block the attempt with his legs.

Bayern then missed another excellent opportunity when Konrad Laimer slipped unnoticed into the area. Unmarked, he struck the side netting rather than testing Karius.

The Schalke goalkeeper saved his most important contribution for the closing stages, producing a world-class stop to deny Kane and preserve a point for the hosts.

The draw leaves Bayern frustrated after a game in which they created enough openings to win, while Schalke will take considerable credit for their defensive resilience.

Flashscore named Jonathan Tah of Bayern Munich as the Man of the Match.

Full match statistics are available through Flashscore.