Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash

Schalke 04 warmed-up for the Champions League visit of Manchester City with a goalless draw at home to fellow Bundesliga strugglers Freiburg on Saturday.

Schalke are winless in their last three Bundesliga games and sit just above the relegation places in 14th spot.

Next up is a huge challenge at home to Pep Guardiola's Premier League giants Man City in their Champions League last 16, first-leg tie on Wednesday.

Schalke qualified for the Champions League by finishing runners-up to Bayern Munich last season, but despite dreadful recent results, Schalke head coach Domenico Tedesco says they are ready to host City.

"We deserve to have got this far," Tedesco insisted after Schalke won half their games to finish second behind Porto in their Champions League group.

"We have to prepare well and everyone needs to be at 100 percent. We believe we have a chance -- otherwise there would be no point playing."
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