In front of a roaring, sold-out Veltins-Arena, the weight of an entire club rested on Schalke's shoulders. Victory meant promotion, and the pressure was immense. But as they have all season, Miron Muslic's squad delivered when it mattered most.
Captain Kenan Karaman stepped up, coolly slotting home in the first half to secure a 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf, sending the Royal Blues back to the Bundesliga for the first time since 2023. It was a moment of pure release for a club that has endured so much.
Muslic, the mastermind behind this remarkable turnaround, has earned every bit of praise coming his way. Taking a team that finished just three points above the relegation playoff spot last season and guiding them to automatic promotion is nothing short of extraordinary—especially amid off-field chaos, including financial struggles and boardroom instability.
"I'm very grateful. From day one, I felt accepted here for who I am. Always getting back up—that fits Schalke. That's why I feel so comfortable here," Muslic told Sky after the match, his voice thick with emotion.
The night got even sweeter when it was confirmed his contract had automatically been extended through 2028, capping a storybook evening for the club and its fans.
A key factor in Schalke's promotion push was a bold mid-season tactical shift—a gamble that paid off handsomely. That change was paired with savvy squad additions, most notably the arrival of 40-year-old legend Edin Džeko. His experience proved invaluable during the run-in, contributing six goals in nine games.
When asked about his future and the tantalizing prospect of a Bundesliga derby against Borussia Dortmund, Džeko kept his cards close: "Let's see. First, we celebrate. But I am very, very happy I made the decision to join FC Schalke. We've secured our place, and that's what matters. Now we'll see what happens tomorrow. We want to finish first."
Karaman's decisive strike—his 14th of the campaign—highlighted just how vital he's been to this squad. After years of struggle with the club, the captain spoke from the heart: "The last few years haven't been easy. Now a huge weight has been lifted."
For Schalke, the journey back to the top flight is complete. For their fans, the celebration has only just begun.