Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04: Five things we learned

Controversial Penalty brings Schalke level, Salif Sané puts them in front

In the 15th minute, the game took an unexpected twist when referee Felix Zwayer called the game to a halt, indicating something had caught the eyes of the VAR staff in Cologne. What followed was a decision for a penalty against Julian Weigl, who had allegedly handled the ball in the box. The penalty was taken by Daniel Caligiuri, and subsequently scored.

The alleged “handball” that caused this penalty, however, was one that was hardly avoidable for Weigl. From replays it is clear that the ball was struck by Breel Embolo from point blank range, not giving Weigl much time to react. It is also clear from the replays that Weigl had attempted to block the ball with his foot, not with his hand, which makes this call even more bitter to swallow.

The penalty call was once again a great example of how murky and muddled the handball rule remains. This was a sentiment shared by Lucien Favre. The Swiss manager ventured to call the current handball rule “the biggest scandal in Football”.

In an interesting turn of events, Schalke’s current manager Hub Stevens echoed Favre in stating that the penalty should have never been given, calling the decision “disgusting“. While Stevens openly spoke against the penalty after the game, it is no wonder nothing was said during the match, with his team fighting to stay above the relegation zone.

Shortly after the penalty however, Schalke would take the lead through a Salif Sané header, courtesy of Daniel Calgiuiri’s delivery from the corner flag in the 27th minute. Dortmund have been terrible when it comes to conceding goals from corners this season, and this weakness was once again taken advantage of, to Schalke’s benefit.