Schalke’s initial defensive scheme.
“Andre Breitenreiter fielded his Schalke side in a 5-4-1 basic shape that would be transformed into something like 3-4-3 during attacking build-up. This was a defensive-minded approach with a deep block and quick counters whenever the opportunity occurred. Keeper Ralf Fährmann was shielded by a five-men-back shape, consisting of Sascha Riether and Dennis Aogo at right and left back, while Joel Matip, Benedikt Höwedes and Roman Neustädter played as the central defender trio with Matip on the right half-back and Neustädter on the left.” Bundesliga Fanatic