The streets of Gelsenkirchen were a sea of royal blue on Saturday as nearly 20,000 Schalke fans turned the city into a giant pre-match party ahead of their crucial clash with Fortuna Düsseldorf. With promotion to the Bundesliga tantalizingly close, the faithful made their voices heard in spectacular fashion.

Starting from the northern district of Buer, the passionate supporters marched roughly four kilometers to the iconic Arena auf Schalke, chanting and singing with an energy that could only come from a club desperate to return to Germany's top flight. The atmosphere was electric, with fans dressed head-to-toe in Schalke gear, waving flags and scarves that turned the march into a moving wall of royal blue.

The sheer size of the procession brought parts of Gelsenkirchen to a standstill. Public transport in Buer and around the stadium was suspended entirely as the crowd took over the streets, while car parades snaked through the city, horns blaring and banners flying. It was a reminder of the unique passion that makes German football culture so special.

For Schalke, this isn't just another match—it's a chance to reclaim their place among the elite. If they get the job done against Düsseldorf, the Ruhr region can expect a night of celebration that will be talked about for years. The fans have done their part; now it's up to the players to deliver on the pitch. And with 20,000 voices behind them, you wouldn't bet against them.