Key Takeaways
- FC Schalke 04 have earned automatic promotion back to the Bundesliga after just one season in the second tier
- Kenan Karaman’s solitary first-half strike proved decisive against Fortuna Düsseldorf at the Veltins-Arena
- The Royal Blues could still lift the 2. Bundesliga title this weekend depending on other results
FC Schalke 04 will compete in the Bundesliga next season following a tense home victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf. The Gelsenkirchen club entered the fixture knowing three points would guarantee automatic promotion, and they delivered under pressure to spark wild celebrations at the Veltins-Arena.
The hosts began with intensity, pinning the visitors back inside their own half during the opening exchanges. Miron Muslic’s side pressed aggressively and controlled possession early on.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute. Soufian El-Faouzi robbed a Düsseldorf player before driving forward and feeding Adil Aouchiche on the left flank. The Algerian’s low delivery took a fortunate deflection into the path of Kenan Karaman, who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier to register his 14th league goal of the campaign.
Schalke nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when Aouchiche struck a free-kick against the woodwork after El-Faouzi had been fouled by Elias Egouli.
The first period continued in similar fashion, with Düsseldorf struggling to establish any rhythm as the hosts dominated proceedings.
The visitors emerged stronger after the interval, aware that their survival hopes required a response. Around the hour mark, they fashioned two clear opportunities in quick succession. Tim Oberdorf threatened first, before Shinta Appelkamp found himself with an excellent chance inside the penalty area, only for Loris Karius to produce a sharp save and maintain Schalke’s advantage.
The match became increasingly open as both teams committed men forward. Karaman almost added a second on the counter-attack, beating Oberdorf before forcing another fine stop from Kastenmeier.
Düsseldorf came closest to equalising shortly before the 70th minute when Appelkamp’s dangerous free-kick found Cedric Itten, but the striker slid his effort wide of the left post.
As the clock ticked down, tension mounted inside the stadium. The home supporters roared their team towards the finish line, sensing promotion was imminent.
Karaman had a late opportunity to seal the victory, but Kastenmeier denied him once again. However, the single goal proved sufficient. After six minutes of added time, the referee’s final whistle triggered jubilant scenes as Schalke confirmed their return to Germany’s top division.
The victory marks an immediate return to the Bundesliga following their relegation in 2023. The Royal Blues could still secure the 2. Bundesliga title this weekend, depending on SC Paderborn 07’s result. Meanwhile, Fortuna Düsseldorf remain precariously placed just one point above the relegation zone, with their rivals yet to complete their fixtures.