On May 2, 2026, Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga with a decisive home victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, marking a significant turnaround after spending three years in the second division. The match took place at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen before an impressive crowd of 61,587 fans.
The only goal of the match came from Kenan Karaman, who scored in the 15th minute, securing Schalke’s automatic promotion back to the top tier of German football. This win not only highlighted Schalke’s return but also extended their unbeaten league run to 12 games, further demonstrating their resurgence under head coach Miron Muslic.
Throughout the season, Schalke’s home form has been particularly strong, with just one defeat at home. This victory over Düsseldorf marked their fifth consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the 2. Bundesliga. Currently, they sit well ahead of second-placed Paderborn and are 10 points clear of third-placed Hannover.
The significance of this match extends beyond just promotion; it reflects a broader narrative of recovery for Schalke following their relegation from the Bundesliga during the disastrous 2020/21 season. The club has faced numerous challenges since then but has managed to turn its fortunes around under new leadership.
Kenan Karaman expressed his joy after the match, stating, “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.” His sentiments were echoed by teammate Timo Becker, who remarked that nothing is more important than bringing this club back to where it belongs.
The return of Edin Džeko in January also contributed significantly to Schalke’s success; he netted six goals in nine league appearances since joining. His experience has proven invaluable during critical moments this season.
Looking back, Schalke’s last relegation occurred in 2021 when they were unable to secure sufficient points to remain in the Bundesliga. However, they bounced back as champions of the second division in the following season. The club’s ability to recover quickly speaks volumes about its resilience and commitment to returning to its former glory.