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Schalke batter Guangzhou R&F

July 5, 2016

The Euros are not even over and Schalke are already playing pre-season friendlies. Markus Weinzierl's new side overwhelmed Guangzhou R&F 6-1 in China with Leon Goretzka and Franco di Santo both scoring twice.

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Markus Weinzierl FC Schalke 04 Logo
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A.Waelischmiller

Schalke have begun their pre-season friendlies before most European club sides have even reported back for training and while Euro 2016 is still going on.

In coach Weinzierl's first game in charge, they destroyed Guangzhou R&F 6-1 in the opening match of their Chinese tour. Johannes Geis, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Goretzka (2) were all on the scoresheet before halftime.

Franco di Santo netted the fifth and sixth goals after the break in 89 percent humidity while Matija Nastasic made his comeback from injury.

The game was played at Guangdong People’s Stadium in front of a smattering of fans. Guangzhou R&F finished 14th in the Chinese Super League last term.

Schalke next face Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday.

The only bad news for Schalke was that young forward Donis Avdijaj tore his meniscus in training and has had to fly back to Germany for treatment.