Promoted pair cancel each other out in Gelsenkirchen

Schalke 04 and Elversberg could not be separated at the Veltins-Arena as last season's Bundesliga 2 champions and runners-up played out a goalless draw.

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Two sides that earned promotion to the Bundesliga together last season renewed their acquaintance at the Veltins-Arena on Sunday, as Schalke's defensive resilience was tested by Elversberg’s attacking ambition.

The hosts returned to the top flight as Bundesliga 2 champions having conceded a league-low 31 goals last season, while runners-up Elversberg were the division’s leading scorers with 64.

Miron Muslic's side made the brighter start, with Edin Dzeko heading over early on, before Elversberg gradually grew into the contest.

Noah Darvich passed up the visitors’ best opportunity of the opening stages after being picked out in space inside the penalty area, but his effort sailed over Loris Karius’ crossbar.

Schalke threatened themselves midway through the half when Kenan Karaman sent a dangerous ball across the penalty area, with Lukas Pinckert’s attempted intervention almost resulting in an own goal before Nicolas Kristof reacted sharply.

Clear-cut chances remained at a premium thereafter, ensuring the two promoted sides headed into the interval goalless.

Elversberg immediately increased the pressure after the restart and came within inches of opening the scoring when David Mokwa beat Karius, only to see his effort come back off the post.

Karius was soon required again as Vincent Wagner’s side enjoyed their strongest spell of the contest, but the hosts subsequently began to create openings of their own, forcing Kristof into two excellent saves in quick succession as the contest opened up during the closing stages.

Ultimately, however, neither side could provide the decisive touch as the two newly-promoted clubs shared the points in a goalless draw at the Veltins-Arena.