By Dorcas Francis Koji
Bayern Munich were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by newly promoted Schalke in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday, bringing the Bundesliga champions’ remarkable run of scoring in 59 consecutive competitive matches to an end.
Bayern dominated possession for long periods but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut opportunities, with Luis Diaz coming closest to breaking the deadlock on two occasions.
The Colombian winger wasted a golden opportunity before half-time when he found himself one-on-one with Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius but fired his effort wide.
Diaz went close again after the interval when he attempted to lift the ball over Karius, only for the Schalke goalkeeper to prevent the effort from crossing the line.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany had opted to rotate his squad following an impressive start to the season, with England captain Harry Kane and Michael Olise both beginning the match on the bench.
Despite Bayern controlling much of the opening half, Schalke defended resolutely and limited the visitors’ chances.
Kane was introduced at the start of the second half as Bayern searched for the breakthrough, while Olise and Jamal Musiala were brought on with around 35 minutes remaining as Kompany increased the attacking threat.
Musiala’s appearance was particularly significant as it marked his first competitive outing of the season following seizures suffered during two pre-season matches.
The Germany international helped Bayern increase the pressure during the closing stages, but Schalke continued to withstand the champions’ attacks.
Konrad Laimer came close when he sliced an effort into the side-netting from close range, while Kane was denied a late winner when Karius produced an outstanding fingertip save to push his powerful effort away from the top corner.
Schalke’s disciplined defensive display ultimately earned them a valuable point and their first of the Bundesliga season.
For Bayern, the result ended an extraordinary 59-match run in which they had found the net in every competitive fixture.
The draw also ended Bayern’s run of finishing a Bundesliga matchday at the top of the table, a position they had occupied for 67 consecutive matchdays.
Kane will also have to wait a little longer for another landmark achievement.
The England striker made his 96th Bundesliga appearance but remains two goals short of reaching 100 goals in the competition.
Bayern will now shift their attention to Europe as they prepare to host Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League on Thursday before returning to Bundesliga action against newly promoted Elversberg on September 13.
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