Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga on May 2, 2026, with a decisive home victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf in Gelsenkirchen. This win marked a significant turnaround for the club after enduring three challenging years in the 2. Bundesliga.
In a tense match at the Veltins Arena, Kenan Karaman scored the only goal in the 15th minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Schalke. This win not only ensured their promotion back to the Bundesliga but also extended their unbeaten league run to an impressive twelve games.
Schalke’s home form has been remarkable this season, with just one defeat at home. The victory over Düsseldorf was particularly sweet as it represented Schalke’s fifth consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the league.
With this triumph, Schalke is now well-placed to clinch the 2. Bundesliga title ahead of second-placed Paderborn, leading by ten points. Additionally, Edin Džeko’s return in January has proved beneficial; he contributed six goals in nine league appearances since joining.
The club’s resurgence can be attributed to several key figures. Frank Baumann took charge as Schalke’s administrative top boss last spring, while Miron Muslic’s appointment as head coach transformed a struggling team into serious promotion contenders.
Kenan Karaman expressed his joy post-match, stating, “We waited a long time for this moment… I’m just happy that we could take the final step at home because the fans deserve it.” His sentiment reflects the collective relief and excitement surrounding Schalke’s return.
Timo Becker echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that nothing is more important than restoring the club to its rightful place in German football. Raúl also remarked on the significance of this achievement: “Back where you belong.”
The pressure on Schalke was immense after years of struggle following their relegation from the Bundesliga during the disastrous 2020/21 season. They managed to bounce back as second-division champions in the following season but faced challenges along the way.
The atmosphere in Gelsenkirchen during this match was electrifying, with an attendance of 61,587 fans cheering on their team. The support from fans played a crucial role in motivating players throughout this arduous journey.
This victory not only marks Schalke’s return but also sets a hopeful tone for future campaigns in Germany’s top flight. The club aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for life back in the Bundesliga.
