Goalless derby: U19s squander golden chances

Derby match between U19 teams ended without goals, with both sides squandering numerous opportunities. Felix Hirschnagl made a significant change to his starting line-up, fielding eight new players compared to their previous match in Baku. Luke Fahrenhorst, Justin Hoy, and Bjarki Gardarsson retained their places, while Julien Froese started in goal.

Schalke 04, previously a Dortmund side, made an early foray into the match with a 25-yard free-kick from Niclas Damberg, which goalkeeper Julien Froese saved. BVB quickly regained control, creating several promising chances. In the seventh minute, after a rapid counter-attack involving Vogt, Najdi, and Gardarsson, Hagemann fired wide from close range. Moments later, Justin Hoy had a golden opportunity to put BVB ahead, but his penalty save by Schalke goalkeeper Kyrylo Khadasevych proved crucial.

Neither team managed to extend their lead as Schalke threatened again in the 20th minute with Cem Tasdelen's shot hitting the crossbar. BVB continued to dominate, with Khadasevych making crucial saves from Till Burkhardt's angled shot (34th minute) and Ahmad Najdi's post-defender (38th minute). Justin Hoy's effort rebounded off a Schalke defender (59th minute) without finding the net.

The match's pace decreased in the second half as Schalke became more defensively alert, failing to create as many opportunities as earlier. Hirschnagl lamented his team's missed chances, stating that they had the potential to go 3-0 or 4-0 ahead but failed to capitalize on them. The match's outcome will likely determine the top position in the DFB Youth League, with BVB currently leading with 18 points from eight games. BVB faces MSV Duisburg (17 points from seven games) in an important match on Saturday, 31 October.