Schalker's advancement aims to avert a catastrophe against Cologne
Schalke 04 is facing a lengthy stint in the 2. Bundesliga. Since their 5-1 victory against Braunschweig on the opening game, they've failed to secure a win. They managed to bounce back against 1. FC Köln, but it was too late after going 0-3 down. Meanwhile, Paderborn stumbled against Ulm, and Braunschweig couldn't pick up any points against KSC.
FC Schalke 04 - 1. FC Köln 1:3 (0:2)
A massive crowd, impressive win: Relegated 1. FC Köln has shown signs of improvement in the 2. Bundesliga after a shaky start and firmly demonstrated their desire for immediate promotion. In the Bundesliga classic against Schalke 04, the Rhinelanders clinched a 3:1 (2:0) victory in their first encounter at the lower tier and moved up to sixth place in the table. Despite a fantastic atmosphere with the second-highest attendance of the German football weekend, Schalke found themselves looking downwards once again, just like last year.
In front of 61,624 spectators in a sold-out Veltins Arena, Damion Downs (25'), Linton Maina (45'+1), and Tim Lemperle (46') scored another FC win. The three-time German champions dominated the game against the Royal Blues, who had to fight for their survival for a considerable part of the previous season and went through another round of personnel changes in the summer. Captain Kenan Karaman reduced the deficit from the penalty spot (66') after a foul on Amin Younes. With only four points from the first four games, the relegation zone seems uncomfortably close.
Before the first meeting of the traditional clubs in the second division after 90 Bundesliga encounters, Schalke coach Karel Geraerts viewed FC as the clear favorites. His counterpart Gerhard Struber praised the Royal Blues as a "team with exceptionally high individual quality". Geraerts' assessment proved to be spot on, as the Cologne side, who have grown stronger due to their transfer ban, played more cohesively - despite the absence of regular starter, captain Timo Hübers, due to illness.
Geraerts managed to get Ron Schallenberg back in central defense after his suspension expired, but he failed to provide stability to the defense, which once again proved to be a weak point for the Royal Blues.
Both coaches expected an energetic start with early chances for the home side through Tobias Mohr (3') and Downs for Cologne (7'). FC offered more intricate build-up play, but Schalke was the more proactive team initially. Both goalkeepers were kept busy: Urbig had to dive to save a curling shot from S04 captain Karaman (17'), and Heekeren blocked a header from the unmarked Eric Martel (20').
Just seconds after the first water break, the Royal Blues' goalkeeper was powerless as the ball rebounded straight back after his awkward clearance, and Downs handed the visitors a 1-0 lead with a clever pass from Maina. The visitors' superiority became increasingly apparent: Maina's goal was the result of a classy one-two with Heekeren, and Lemperle secured the third in an unchallenged close-range finish after a swift breakaway shortly after the restart.
Eintracht Braunschweig - Karlsruher SC 1:2 (1:0)
Karlsruher SC Maintains momentum, Remains in Top Group - Karlsruher SC continued their successful run by winning 2:1 (0:1) against struggling Eintracht Braunschweig, securing their third victory in four games. Ermin Bicakcic gave the home team an early advantage (14'), but Andrin Hunziker (73') and Budu Siwziwadse (87') turned the game around late. Despite escaping relegation last season, Braunschweig are now stuck at the bottom of the table with no points.
Eintracht Still Confident, Regardless of Early-Season Woes - Despite three losses and 13 conceded goals at the start of the season, Eintracht presented themselves confidently in front of 19,908 spectators. Bicakcic rewarded their teamwork with the opening goal. Braunschweig could not build on their early advantage, and KSC only came close to scoring towards the end of the first half. In the second half, the visitors became more prominent, but Wanitzek only struck the crossbar (51'). Despite an improved performance, KSC initially struggled to bridge the gap until Hunziker scored from a corner and Siwsiwadse added another late on.
SC Paderborn - SSV Ulm 0:0 (0:0) - Promoted SSV Ulm Gains First Point in 2. Bundesliga, Prevents Paderborn's Return to Top - SSV Ulm picked up their first point in the young 2. Bundesliga season by drawing 0:0 against SC Paderborn, denying the latter's bid to return to the top of the table. Thanks to a solid defensive performance, coach Thomas Wörle's team deserved the draw. Despite having more possession, Paderborn struggled to find a way past Ulm's attentive defense, committing numerous turnovers. Ulm utilized these opportunities to launch swift counterattacks, with Semir Telalovic being particularly active. Boevink saved a shot from Telalovic (27'), and he headed over Paderborn's goal (37'). Paderborn controlled the game but only created danger in the second half, with Curda heading wide (61'). The game began to lose momentum due to numerous fouls and substitutions. Kostons missed a late chance for Paderborn (90.+5).
Despite Paderborn's efforts to regain their position at the top, they were held to a draw by SSV Ulm, allowing Ulm to earn their first point in the 2. Bundesliga. The following are the main objectives of this programme: to analyze the performance of Schalke 04, 1. FC Köln, Eintracht Braunschweig, and SC Paderborn in the 2. Bundesliga, identify key factors contributing to their results, and discuss potential implications for their future performances.
