Steaua Bucharest are officially eliminated from the Champions League following their goalless draw with Schalke. For any chance of progressing, three points was a necessity. Failing to do so, the dream is over this year for the Romanian outfit. Schalke, meanwhile, failed to cease the initiative to wrap up their place in the last sixteen. The result leaves them needing to defeat Basel in the final matchday. A tough ask of an inconsistent Schalke side - as Basel have proven they cannot be underestimated having twice beaten Chelsea in the group. 

Luck may not have been Schalke's friend on the night; as Hildebrand, Boateng and Draxler all sat out. The snowy conditions also did not help Schalke to say the least. Schalke were the brighter of the two in the opening stages of the game. They showed glimpses of their attacking intent through prospect, Max Meyer, and the returning Jefferson Farfan. Meyer's eagerness on the ball was outweighing his innovation slightly, but he was the main threat for Schalke as they were pushing for their goal. Farfan, only just returning from injury, also had phases of play were he looked back to his usual, dangerous self. Glimpses it remained however, as Schalke could not break the deadlock. 

A decent opportunity did emerge for Schalke however, after persistent surges forward. Christian Fuchs' teasing ball in was met by Farfan, who let rip with a fierce volley, only for it to be drilled just over the crossbar. Unlucky, from Schalke's perspective. 

Hildebrand's understudy Fahrmann was untroubled throughout vast periods of the game. Rarely was the debutant called upon in the clash to begin with. However, when called upon, Fahrmann didn't let his team down. A needless foul resulted in a costless-kick for Bucharest. The ball was pumped into Schalke's penalty box aimed at Gardos, who knocked it down for Piovaccari. The striker had a swing on the first-time volley, only for Fahrmann's reactions to keep his side on level terms. No debut nerves where on show as he showed just what he's about when required most. 

Tthe second-half saw a fired-up Steaua come flying out of the blocks.  They had numerous chances to put themselves ahead. A handful of opportunities where either wasted or kept out by Fahrmann. Steaua's response gave some hope to the home support that they could keep their Champions League aspirations alive. 

The game soon drew it's course the longer it went on as desperation began to kick in from both sides. Needless bookings were picked up as compusure was lost from both sides. However, the game finished as it started: 0-0. 

If being knocked out of their group wasn't already disappointing enough - Bucharest have now managed to equal the longest run of winless games in the Champions League:22. For Schalke, it's a good chance slipped from their grasp.  They'll be dogging it out with Basel in the Veltins Arena for the final spot. A situation that could have been avoided if they picked up three points in Romania.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Liam  Lee
Bundesliga writer