2. Bundesliga Archive

Rodrigo Zalazar brimming with self confidence as he fires Schalke to glory

It was the moment that caused the VELTINS-Arena to erupt. With exactly 77 minutes and twelve seconds on the clock, Rodrigo Zalazar slammed the ball off the under-side of the crossbar and into the back of the net. The goal completed Schalke’s thrilling comeback over St. Pauli, which sealed their promotion to the Bundesliga.

2. Bundesliga

Peter Knäbel: The absolute high-point of an indescribable journey

Peter Knäbel didn’t get much kip after the promotion party. When asked how long he had slept that night, he replied: “Two hours! It was an incredible night, one that we will all remember for a long, long time.”

2. Bundesliga

Ko Itakura: We knew that we could turn this game around

Once the final whistle blew on Saturday night there were crazy scenes throughout the VELTINS-Arena. However, it was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved with FC Schalke 04. One reason for that was the first half which could hardly have gone any worse. The hosts missed a number of clear-cut chances and St. Pauli were clinical to lead 2-0 at half-time. Ko Itakura did find the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 23rd minute, though that was ruled out by VAR.

2. Bundesliga

Mike Büskens: We’ll still be talking about this night in two decades

The VELTINS-Arena totally erupted after Schalke beat St. Pauli 3-2 on Saturday evening (7/5). It was a particularly emotional night for club legend Mike Büskens, who took over as interim coach during a tough situation a few weeks ago. He spoke after the game alongside his opposite number. Vice-captain Victor Pálsson and Darko Churlinov also spoke to the media.

2. Bundesliga

Schalke are back in the Bundesliga!

Promotion! FC Schalke 04 are back in the top flight! An incredible 3-2 win over FC St. Pauli on Saturday night (7/5) ensured the club’s place in the Bundesliga for next season. S04’s goals at a sold-out VELTINS-Arena were scored by Simon Terodde (47’ and 71’) and Rodrigo Zalazar (78’). The visitors had actually led 2-0 at the break.

2. Bundesliga

Rouven Schröder: Everybody is working together towards the same goal

Rouven Schröder has been increasingly asked questions like “what would happen if?” and “have you already planned for?” recently, with his answer always the same: “We haven’t achieved anything yet!” Schalke’s sporting director would rather not speak about the future and results from other grounds. Instead, his full focus is on S04’s match on Saturday at home (7/5, 20:30 CEST). “We’re just concentrating on ourselves and how we can beat St. Pauli,” stressed the 46-year-old.

2. Bundesliga

Mike Büskens: We’re excited and full of energy

FC Schalke 04 will host FC St. Pauli on Saturday night (7/5, 20:30 CEST) at VELTINS-Arena in the final official match at the primetime slot in the second division this season. S04’s home is fully sold out for the fixture, with 62,271 fans set to attend this crunch match. Mike Büskens wants his side to secure their 19th win of the season.

2. Bundesliga

Thomas Ouwejan: We have to win our games

There was a concerning moment just before the final whistle in Sandhausen on Friday night. Thomas Ouwejan, who had only just made his return from injury, was clattered by Alou Kuol in the fifth minute of added time. The SVS man was sent off for the tackle.

2. Bundesliga

Darko Churlinov: We need that level of passion against St. Pauli

Darko Churlinov was one of the stand-out players in the 2-1 win over Sandhausen. The North Macedonia international was a nuisance for the home side’s defence throughout the game. Simon Terodde’s opener came from a rebound from a Churlinov shot which hit the post and this was the catalyst for The Royal Blues. The 21-year-old thrilled the crowd with his passion and his strong challenges.

2. Bundesliga

Rouven Schröder: Haven’t achieved anything yet and need to stay focused

Rouven Schröder described the support from the fans during last weekend’s defeat to Werder Bremen as giving him “full body chills,” and the sporting director was equally touched by the support from the stands during Friday’s (29/4) 2-1 win in Sandhausen. “It’s indescribable, what our fans created here,” he said.

2. Bundesliga

Simon Terodde: I nearly ran out of the stadium, that's how happy I was!

Simon Terodde was left struggling to voice his feelings after Friday's (29/4) last-minute 2-1 win in Sandhausen. After scoring the winning goal, the striker was asked to share his thoughts on the game during a post-match interview with Sky, but couldn't get the words out.

2. Bundesliga

Mike Büskens: That’s why I love this club so much

There was no limit to the celebrations when Simon Terodde poked home the winner to secure Schalke all three points in a 2-1 win on Friday evening (29/04). Head coach Mike Büskens still struggled to find the words a few minutes after full time, while Danny Latza and Marius Bülter were full of joy. The trio also underlined the fact that nothing had been achieved yet and that the focus must remain. Sandhausen head coach Alois Schwartz also gave his thoughts on the game. schalke04.de has summarised the post-game reaction.

2. Bundesliga