Augsburg hold Schalke

Schalke failed to build on their win over Hannover last weekend as they drew 0-0 at struggling Augsburg.

Schalke failed to build on their win over Hannover last weekend as they were lucky to get a point from their trip to struggling Augsburg, who had the better chances in a goalless draw in Bavaria. The home team belied their league position with a courageous performance which did not reap its full reward. South Korean duo Ji Dong-Won and Ja-Cheol Koo made it look easy breaking down the Royal Blues' defence, but poor finishing or the reactions of Timo Hildebrand prevented them from winning a second successive game for the first time all season. Boosted by only their second win of the season last weekend, Augsburg showed respect, but no fear for their opponents as they aimed for a second successive victory. Ji went close to opening his Augsburg account in the fifth minute, but he sent his shot over Hildebrand's goal. Ji set up Koo for a chance in the 11th minute, but he was unable to get past Austrian defender Christian Fuchs as Schalke defended strongly against a very bright Augsburg side. Schalke's first shot on goal came in the 24th minute, but Alexander Manninger was equal to Jefferson Farfan's direct free-kick from 20 yards. Back at the other end, Koo went close to giving the hosts the lead in the 29th minute, but Hildebrand made a good save low down to deny him. An almost anonymous Klaas Jan Huntelaar popped up in the Augsburg penalty area for the first time in the 37th minute, but Manninger made an instinctive save to deny him from giving the visitors the lead from close range. Augsburg's South Korean combination kept Hildebrand busy early in the second half as the Bavarians continued to play with a self-confidence which belied their league position. Koo set up Sascha Molders to hit the left-hand post in the 69th minute as the home team continued to cause Schalke problems. It was the closest they were to come to scoring, though, as not even a late assault yielded a winner, but the point at least takes Augsburg out of the bottom two for the first time all season, ahead of Hoffenheim on goal difference.