Schalke 04 defeats Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-0. Kenan Karaman and Vitalie Becker score for the league leaders

The second-division season remains a huge celebration for FC Schalke 04. Cheered on by around 20,000 fans, the Royal Blues defeated Fortuna Düsseldorf and extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 (1-0) away win. “Top of the table, top of the table” was once again the favorite chant of the S04 fans.

It was quite a sight at the Merkur-Spiel-Arena: When the traveling supporters roared “Stand up if you’re a Schalke fan,” nearly half the stadium rose to its feet. The Schalke players were playing a home game in the state capital. And yet, Schalke coach Miron Muslic had been looking worried before the game: For the first time this season, he had to reshuffle his star duo in defensive midfield, as Ron Schallenberg was sidelined with a strain. Once again, Muslic showed courage and paired Soufiane El-Faouzi with Paul Pöpperl, making his starting debut. Pöpperl had impressed in the U23s and in first-team training.

The conditions before kickoff were clear: A confident Schalke side, backed by a large crowd in the stadium, faced a crisis-stricken Fortuna. Muslic had nevertheless warned against this starting position, noting that Fortuna could make up for much of what had happened in recent weeks in this match.

In fact, Düsseldorf managed to keep the game open for long stretches of the first half and—like almost every Schalke opponent—had significantly more possession. But there were hardly any scoring chances; the only notable events in the first 44 minutes were the fireworks set off by the Fortuna fans at kickoff—and one chance for each team. In the 17th minute, Düsseldorf’s Florent Muslija danced past Nikola Katic in the Schalke penalty area and had a clear shot. But he blasted the ball well over the goal. A quarter of an hour later, S04 captain Kenan Karaman found himself free to shoot—but his curling effort was deflected for a corner by Fortuna goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier.

Just as everyone had settled for a draw at halftime, Schalke was awarded another throw-in. Christopher Antwi-Adjei, the man with the powerful throw, hurled the ball deep into the Düsseldorf penalty area. Hasan Kurucay got his head to it but was denied by Kastenmeier. Katic was in prime position to tap in the rebound, but was struck in the head by Düsseldorf’s Tim Oberdorf. Referee Felix Prigan immediately pointed to the penalty spot and showed Oberdorf a yellow card. Karaman took the kick himself, slotting the ball into the right corner, and ran to the Düsseldorf end to celebrate. Schalke took the lead without having played an exceptionally good game; a well-executed set piece was enough.

Karaman: first a goal, then out

But it didn’t go any further for Karaman: The goal scorer remained in the locker room; according to initial reports from Schalke, this was a “precautionary measure.” Super sub Bryan Lasme came on for him. Schalke started the second half much stronger, with Lasme (50th) and Moussa Sylla (51st) missing early chances. By the 55th minute, everything was finally going Schalke’s way. Schalke’s Vitalie Becker had won the ball decisively at his own corner flag and played it on to Antwi-Adjei. He was tripped by Oberdorf. Prigan showed the self-confessed Schalke fan a yellow-red card, and Schalke continued with a man advantage from then on.

But just as in the 0-0 draw in Münster two weeks ago, Schalke failed to settle the game. On the contrary: they lost the ball carelessly too often and allowed Düsseldorf several good attacks. For example, in the 75th minute, when striker Cedric Itten set up Christian Rasmussen, who curled the ball just wide of the goal. Fortuna had more to offer, now hoping for an upset despite being a man down, while the Schalke fans suddenly began to worry.

But a brilliant moment for Schalke in the 81st minute decided the game. Christian Gomis, who had come on as a substitute just seconds earlier, played a magnificent pass into the path of Vitalie Becker, who curled the ball into the net to make it 2-0—and the Royal Blues’ celebration could begin.