The first major chance of the match came to Klass-Jan Huntelaar near the 12 minute mark. The Schalke attacker found himself alone in front of goal at the end of a corner kick play. From eight yards out, the Dutch forward had a right-footed, half-volley chance to beat an out-of-position Vicente Guaita - a sitter. The scuffed shot was never close to going in, leaving the sides scoreless.
UEFA Champions League, Valencia Vs. Schalke: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Whiffs On Match’s First Chance
Since, Schalke has continued to reverse the story of the opening eight minutes. Then, Valencia controlled the tempo, though they were unable to threaten Manuel Neuer. Now, Schalke has the better for play, and although they have yet to test Guaita, Huntelaar's opportunity was easily the chance of the match.
In response, Valencia seems to be more restrained, showing more patience on the ball when trying to enter the opposition half. They’re still be forced to the flanks, particularly their left, by Schalke’s set-up, with the German club quick to move out to the wings as the backs bring the ball across half-way.
That pressure, though, has resulted in the match's first card. Joel Matip, coming out of central midfield to challenge along Valencia's left, was shown a yellow card in the 17th minute. With Anthony Annan cut-tied, Matip must be careful.
Now through 17 minutes, the teams are still scoreless.
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