On May 2, 2026, in front of a passionate crowd at the Veltins Arena, Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga with a decisive home victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, marking a significant turnaround after years of struggle.
The match kicked off with intensity as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness their team’s resurgence. In the 15th minute, Kenan Karaman scored the only goal of the match, securing a 1-0 victory. This win not only marked Schalke’s fifth consecutive victory but also extended their unbeaten league run to an impressive twelve games.
After three challenging years in the 2. Bundesliga, Schalke’s promotion back to the top tier is monumental. The club had faced relegation in the 2020/21 season and struggled to find its footing until recent changes brought new life to the team.
That context matters because it highlights how far Schalke has come under new leadership. Frank Baumann took over as administrative top boss last spring, while Miron Muslic was appointed head coach. Under Muslic’s guidance, the team transformed from one in crisis to serious contenders for promotion.
This season has seen remarkable performances, especially at home. With only one defeat at home this season, fans have witnessed a resurgence that they hoped for during those difficult years.
As they clinched automatic promotion, Schalke also positioned themselves well to potentially secure the second division title ahead of Paderborn. Edin Džeko’s return in January added depth to the squad; he has contributed six goals in nine league appearances.
The atmosphere at Veltins Arena was electric during the match against Düsseldorf. With an attendance of over 61,000 fans, Kenan Karaman expressed his joy post-match: “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.”
This victory is more than just a win; it’s a testament to resilience and dedication from both players and management alike. Timo Becker emphasized that “nothing is more important than bringing this club back to where it belongs.”
Looking ahead, Schalke’s return signifies hope and ambition for both fans and players alike. As Raúl said succinctly: “Back where you belong.” The journey from relegation back to success illustrates not just sporting prowess but also community strength.