Bundesliga: Schalke moves to third with win vs. Monchengladbach

BERLIN (AP) — Tranquillo Barnetta's early goal earned Schalke a 1-0 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach and provisional third place in the Bundesliga on Friday.

Poor defending allowed Kevin Boateng a second attempt to cross after a wayward first effort, and he found Barnetta at the near post to score in the 11th minute of his 250th Bundesliga game.

"We didn't allow much at the back. That's a major aim because we know we'll always have chances going forward," Barnetta said of a game lacking in opportunities for either side.

The visitors sought a response but failed to trouble the 19-year-old Schalke goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther before halftime. Wellenreuther was playing as Ralf Faehrmann and his backup Fabian Giefer were both injured.

Schalke was also playing without suspended striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

It was the 65th minute before 'Gladbach substitute Ibrahima Traore forced Wellenreuther into action, albeit from an offside position.

Granit Xhaka denied Boateng what seemed a certain goal on a Schalke counterattack minutes later, but the early goal proved enough for the home side to move above 'Gladbach in the table.

"I've played a lot of times against Schalke and I've rarely seen them so defensive," visiting captain Tony Jantschke said.

Kick-off had been delayed 10 minutes due to a bomb scare.