Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga with a decisive home victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf on May 2, 2026. This win marked a significant turnaround after years of struggle, as Schalke secured automatic promotion back to the top tier.
Kenan Karaman scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute of the match. With this victory, Schalke extended their unbeaten league run to 12 games. They have shown outstanding home form this season, suffering only one defeat at Veltins Arena.
This win was Schalke’s fifth consecutive victory. They are well-placed to clinch the second division title, standing 10 points clear of third-placed Hannover.
Edin Džeko, who returned to Schalke in January, contributed significantly by scoring 6 goals in nine league appearances. His presence has bolstered the squad during this crucial period.
The club faced challenges after being relegated from the Bundesliga in the 2020/21 season. Frank Baumann joined Schalke as the new administrative top boss last spring, aiming to stabilize operations. Miron Muslic was appointed head coach and transformed the team into a promotion candidate.
Kenan Karaman expressed his emotions after the 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.” Timo Becker added, “Nothing is more important than bringing this club back to where it belongs.”
This victory not only signifies a return to form for Schalke but also reconnects them with their fanbase in Gelsenkirchen. The attendance at the match against Fortuna Düsseldorf reached 61,587, showcasing strong support.
The last Bundesliga relegation was in 2021, and Schalke bounced back as second-division champions the following season. Their journey reflects resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
