This is precisely the fresh start FC Schalke 04 envisioned: With new signing Moussa Sylla and captain Kenan Karaman at the helm, they delivered a dominant 5-1 (2-1) victory over Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday evening (03.08.2024) to kick off the season in the 2nd Bundesliga.
How strong is the new FC Schalke 04? After a season during which Gelsenkirchen found itself entangled in a relegation battle for a long time, the club made significant changes once again.
Major personnel shifts occurred at nearly every level, including the hiring of a new squad planner, Ben Manga, who implemented a team overhaul. Therefore, the club did not set excessively high expectations ahead of the second division’s commencement, although the aim to return to the Bundesliga as quickly as possible remains.
Braunschweig was Schalke’s first test
The opening match against Eintracht Braunschweig could not determine whether Schalke’s ascent to the top division is already attainable, a fact that had been clear beforehand. However, it was still a significant evaluation of the situation, as the opponent was certainly formidable.
Under Daniel Scherning, the Lower Saxony team averaged 1.5 points per game over 22 matches last season, which was better than Schalke’s 1.38 points averaged under Karel Geraerts over 26 games.
Schalke’s Heekeren shines in dual role
The Schalke coach was initially satisfied that his latest decision proved to be correct. Justin Heekeren surprisingly started in goal, and the keeper delivered. First, the 23-year-old thwarted Braunschweig’s first significant chance as Rayan Philippe broke free, but Heekeren made a strong save with his right leg (7th minute). Subsequently, Heekeren became the first Schalke player to score this season.
Tobias Mohr impressively utilized a long ball from the goalkeeper to put Schalke ahead 1-0. The left winger controlled the pass directly with a drop kick, catching Eintracht keeper Lennart Grill off guard, resulting in an own goal (9th).
Strange goals for Schalke and Braunschweig after corner kicks
Schalke was ahead but not the dominant team. Braunschweig played well and created problems for the hosts. However, luck was on Schalke’s side. Following a corner, Moussa Sylla had a great chance that he initially squandered but scored on the follow-up as the ball deflected off his leg into the goal, making it 2-0 (25′). It was a fortunate goal that gave Schalke a dream beginning.
Nonetheless, the other side struck shortly thereafter from another corner, heightening the tension. This time the ball fell to Kevin Ehlers, who maintained his composure and calmly found the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1 (32′). The goal underwent checks for a suspected handball, but video evidence did not conclusively support this, so the decision stood.
Nothing happens for a long time, then Schalke’s Karaman arrives
Following the half-time break, the game resumed rather slowly. It wasn’t until the 56th minute when Paul Seguin had a chance to shoot from distance – the Schalke player missed the target by about a meter. However, this appeared to signal the start of a more chaotic continuation. After an exceptional pass from Philippe, Johan Gomez saw his shot hit the side netting on the opposite end (57th).
After that, the game settled down again. But then the Schalke Arena erupted as Kenan Karaman, who had been relatively unnoticed until that point, scored the 3-1 with a powerful solo effort, finishing expertly with his left foot into the far corner (73′).
Sylla and Karaman each for the second
This goal was the turning point in the match, and soon the decisive blow was struck. Sylla demonstrated yet again why he was regarded as one of the rising stars of the 2nd division even before the season began. Ron Schallenberg, who had an outstanding match, initiated the move, and ultimately the new striker maintained his composure in front of goal for a second time to score (82′).
However, a double was insufficient for Schalke that evening. Just moments later, Karaman broke through the fragile Braunschweig defense and added a fifth goal to make it 5-1 (83′). The fans celebrated a euphoric atmosphere and a splendid start for their team.
Schalke in Nuremberg, Braunschweig against Magdeburg
FC Schalke 04 will visit 1. FC Nuremberg (10.08, 13:00), while Eintracht Braunschweig will host 1. FC Magdeburg (11.08, 13:30).
FC Schalke 04: Kicking Off the 2024 Season with a Bang
This is exactly how FC Schalke 04 had imagined its new start: Led by new signing Moussa Sylla and captain Kenan Karaman, they scored a 5-1 (2-1) landslide victory against Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday evening (03.08.2024) at the start of the season in the 2nd Bundesliga.
How good is the new FC Schalke 04? After a season in which Gelsenkirchen was even in the midst of a relegation battle for a long time, the club once again made major cuts.
There were major personnel changes at almost every level, including the arrival of new squad planner, Ben Manga, who brought about a team shake-up. The club’s ambitions remain clear: get back to the Bundesliga as quickly as possible, but realistic expectations were set before the new season.
Braunschweig was Schalke’s first test
The opening match against Eintracht Braunschweig could not answer whether the jump to the top division is already feasible, but it was an opportunity for assessment. Braunschweig, under coach Daniel Scherning, scored an impressive 1.5 points per game last season.
Schalke’s Heekeren shines in dual role
Coach Justin Heekeren made a surprising choice by starting in goal, and his decision paid off. Heekeren made a vital save in the 7th minute when he denied Rayan Philippe, then moments later, he scored the season’s first goal following a perfectly executed lobbing play by Tobias Mohr, taking Schalke to a 1-0 lead.
Strange goals for Schalke and Braunschweig after corner kicks
Schalke initially dominated the score but the game showed signs of tension. After a corner, Moussa Sylla scored, creating a 2-0 cushion, despite Braunschweig striking back shortly after with a goal from Kevin Ehlers.
Nothing happens for a long time, then Schalke’s Karaman arrives
After a dull start to the second half, everything changed when Kenan Karaman struck with his left foot from outside the box to score Schalke’s third goal, boosting spirits in the stadium.
Sylla and Karaman each for the second
The game reached its climax with further goals from Sylla and Karaman, wrapping up a remarkable 5-1 victory. The fans celebrated a memorable opening match and a promising future for FC Schalke 04.
Schalke in Nuremberg, Braunschweig against Magdeburg
Upcoming matches will see Schalke 04 visiting 1. FC Nuremberg on 10.08 at 13:00, while Eintracht Braunschweig will host 1. FC Magdeburg a day later at 13:30.
Match Highlights:
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Moussa Sylla | 2 | 0 |
| Kenan Karaman | 2 | 0 |
| Tobias Mohr | 1 | 1 |
Key Takeaways:
- New signings make a significant impact, indicating a strong squad depth.
- Emphasis on team resilience and tactical adaptability from the coaching staff.
- Strong performance at home creates positive momentum for upcoming fixtures.
Practical Tips for Schalke Fans:
If you are supporting Schalke this season, consider the following:
- Stay updated with live match tickers for real-time game actions.
- Join community forums to discuss strategies and player performances.
- Attend matches to support the team live and boost morale.