Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga with a 1-0 victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf at Veltins Arena on May 2, 2026. Kenan Karaman scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute, securing automatic promotion back to Germany’s top league.
This win marked Schalke’s return to the Bundesliga after a three-year absence. The team has shown remarkable improvement under head coach Miron Muslic.
As of midday, Schalke has extended their unbeaten league run to 12 games. They are well-placed to clinch the second division title, sitting 10 points clear of third-placed Hannover.
The club’s home form has been exceptional this season, with only one defeat at home. This victory against Düsseldorf was also their fifth consecutive win.
Karaman expressed joy after the match, stating, “We waited a long time for this moment, as a club, as a city, all the people around it. I’m just happy that we could take the final step at home because the fans deserve it.” He has now scored 15 goals this season.
Edin Džeko, who returned to Schalke in January, contributed significantly with six goals in nine league appearances. His experience has bolstered the team’s performance.
This turnaround follows years of struggle for Schalke, who were relegated from the Bundesliga in the disastrous 2020/21 season. Frank Baumann joined as the new administrative boss last spring and has played a key role in this revival.
The attendance for this important match was 61,587, showcasing strong support from fans eager to see their team back in top form.
The victory not only signifies Schalke’s return but also highlights their resilience and determination to reclaim their status in German football.