Key Takeaways
- Kenan Karaman’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf and confirmed FC Schalke 04’s promotion to the Bundesliga.
- Manager Miron Muslic has extended his contract until 2028 following a remarkable turnaround despite financial troubles at the club.
- Schalke could still win the league title if SC Paderborn 07 fail to win their match tomorrow.
The Veltins-Arena was full of fans. Every seat was taken. The players knew they needed to win. The pressure was huge. One goal would change everything for FC Schalke 04.
Captain Kenan Karaman scored that important goal. He kept his cool in the first half. His finish gave Schalke a 1-0 victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf. This win takes them back to the Bundesliga. They had left the top division in 2023.
Head coach Miron Muslic planned this success. He took over a team that almost went down last season. They finished only three points above the relegation play-off zone. This year, he has taken them up automatically. He did this while the club had money problems and changes in the boardroom.
After the match, Muslic spoke to Sky. “I am very grateful,” he said. “From the first day, people accepted me here. We always get back up. That is Schalke. I feel very comfortable.”
The night got better for Muslic. His contract automatically extended until 2028. This happened because the team went up.
Schalke changed their tactics during the season. This was a big risk. But it worked. They also signed new players. Edin Džeko was the most important signing. The 40-year-old striker scored six goals in nine matches. His experience helped the team a lot.
People asked Džeko about next season. They want to know if he will play in the Bundesliga. They asked about the derby against Borussia Dortmund. Džeko did not give a clear answer. “Let us see,” he said. “First, we celebrate. I am very happy I joined FC Schalke. We have secured our place. That is what matters. We will see what happens tomorrow. We want to finish first.”
Karaman has now scored 14 goals this season. He has had hard times at the club before. He spoke with emotion after the match. “The last few years were not easy,” he said. “Now a huge weight has gone. I still cannot believe it. I am incredibly proud of the team. We deserved this.”
He smiled and added, “Now we celebrate. It is party time!”
Schalke might still win the championship. It depends on SC Paderborn 07’s result tomorrow. If Paderborn do not win, Schalke will lift the trophy. This would complete a truly special season for the Royal Blues.