Schalke run halted by resolute Mainz
Friday, February 21, 2014
Article summary
FC Schalke 04 were denied a fifth-successive Bundesliga win as they were held to a 0-0 draw by 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Friday, meaning the Königsblauen remain fourth in the standings.
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FC Schalke 04 were unable to go third in the Bundesliga table after failing to find a way past 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga on Friday night.
A fifth-straight win would have helped the Königsblauen move above Borussia Dortmund in the standings but seventh-placed Mainz refused to yield in the 0-0 draw. Felipe Santana and Jefferson Farfán failed to hit the target for the hosts with good chances in the opening periods but the visitors proved equally threatening, Stefan Bell heading just wide and Elkin Soto forcing Ralf Fährmann into a good save.
Jefferson Farfán fired into the side-netting before another effort deflected just wide before the break. Bell missed the chance to steal the points in the second period, heading a corner straight into the arms of Fährmann from close when completely unmarked. The draw leaves Schalke one point behind Dortmund, who travel to Hamburger SV on Saturday, and two off second-placed Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
