Džeko Drags Schalke to 5-2 Extra-Time Win Over Hallescher

A match-turning appearance by Edin Džeko highlighted Schalke's finishing problems, leaving questions over their set-piece defence before the Bundesliga opener.

Overview

Schalke advanced to the next round of the DFB-Pokal with a 5-2 extra-time victory over Hallescher, a tie decided by late goals after 90 minutes finished 2-2 on Monday.
Edin Džeko, introduced from the bench, scored twice and created key chances in extra time, converting an 81st-minute penalty and finishing in the 117th minute.
Schalke controlled possession for long spells but failed to convert that pressure early on, and they fell behind less than a minute after the second-half restart when Vin Kastull scored for Hallescher.
Dejan Ljubičić levelled in the 62nd minute, Džeko’s penalty put Schalke ahead in the 81st, and Niclas Stierlin’s stoppage-time header from a corner forced extra time before Schalke pulled away.
The win underlined Schalke’s reliance on veteran substitutes for decisive moments, exposed recurring set-piece and finishing weaknesses, and leaves questions before their Bundesliga trip to Augsburg; reports differ on whether Hallescher are a third- or fourth-tier side.