Jiri Pavlenka also played a key role in the win away at SC Freiburg last weekend, making a number of important saves. Niklas Moisander and Co. managed to limited Borussia to an expected goal tally of just 0.53 on Tuesday, with Pavlenka saving Schalke’s only shot on target from Benito Raman at the weekend (53’). Florian Kohfeldt’s side are looking much more solid at the back; the importance of which cannot be understated according to the goalkeeper, “It’s important for us mentally,” said the 28-year-old.
‘Pavlas’ and Co. have the chance to extend their run of clean sheets against Eintracht Frankfurt as soon as Wednesday; something the club haven’t achieved for over ten years. SVW made it five consecutive games without conceding back in October 2009.
However, for Jiri Pavlenka, getting the win is much more important than adding to this run. “We have the chance to keep Frankfurt down in this fight with us,” said the keeper in regards to the table. SVW could close the gap to SGE to just four points, as well as replacing Fortuna Düsseldorf in the playoff position. It would be another small step on the long road to avoiding relegation. Despite going three games without conceding, Pavlenka emphasises, “We know that the situation still isn’t good. We’re still second last.”