On May 2, 2026, Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga with a decisive home victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf. This match, held at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, saw the team secure a 1-0 win that marked a significant turnaround after three years in the second division.
The game began with intense energy as Schalke fans filled the stands, eager to witness their team’s resurgence. Kenan Karaman scored the only goal of the match in the 15th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “We waited a long time for this moment, as a club, as a city, all the people around it. I’m just happy that we could take the final step at home because the fans deserve it,” Karaman expressed after the match.
This victory extended Schalke’s unbeaten league run to 12 games, highlighting their impressive form throughout the season. The win over Düsseldorf was also their fifth consecutive victory, reinforcing their dominance in the league.
Key statistics from the match:
- Attendance: 61,587 fans at Veltins Arena
- Only 1 home defeat this season
- Karaman has scored 15 goals this season
- Schalke is currently 10 points clear of third-placed Hannover
The team’s turnaround can be attributed to several factors. Frank Baumann joined as the club’s new administrative boss last spring, while Miron Muslic was appointed head coach and transformed a struggling squad into promotion contenders. Edin Džeko’s return in January also proved vital; he contributed six goals in nine league appearances.
Timo Becker emphasized, “Nothing is more important than bringing this club back to where it belongs.” This sentiment resonates deeply within Gelsenkirchen as fans reflect on Schalke’s tumultuous journey since being relegated from the Bundesliga during the disastrous 2020/21 season.
As Schalke prepares for their next challenges in the top flight, they carry not just hopes but also expectations from their loyal supporters. The club aims to build on this momentum and solidify its standing in German football once again.
