2. Bundesliga: Schalke promoted to Bundesliga with victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf

2. Bundesliga: Schalke promoted to Bundesliga with victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf

An emphatic 2. Bundesliga campaign came down to this defining evening for Schalke, who knew victory would guarantee promotion. They delivered under pressure, with Miron Muslic’s side edging past Düsseldorf at the Veltins-Arena to spark scenes of celebration.

Fully aware of the task at hand, Schalke started on the front foot. Düsseldorf struggled to gain any early foothold as the hosts pressed aggressively, repeatedly winning the ball back and pinning their opponents deep inside their own half.

The breakthrough arrived after just 15 minutes - and it was no more than Schalke deserved. Soufian El-Faouzi intercepted a Düsseldorf attack before driving forward and releasing Adil Aouchiche down the left. The Algerian’s low cross deflected kindly into the path of Karaman, who composed himself before lifting a neat finish over Florian Kastenmeier to register his 14th league goal of the season.

Schalke nearly doubled their lead five minutes later. After El-Faouzi was brought down in a dangerous area by Elias Ogouli, Aouchiche stepped up and curled a superb effort around the wall, only to see it cannon back off the post.

The remainder of the first half followed a similar pattern, with Düsseldorf unable to establish any rhythm as Schalke went into the break fully in control of proceedings.

The visitors improved after the restart, knowing their survival hopes depended on a response. Around the hour mark, they created two excellent chances in quick succession. First, Tim Oberdorf threatened, before Shinta Appelkamp was presented with an even clearer opportunity inside the area - only for Loris Karius to react sharply and preserve Schalke’s lead.