Schalke 04 secured a 2-1 victory over Hertha BSC in a highly contested opening match of the 2. Bundesliga on Friday. The atmosphere was electric at the Veltins-Arena as the home side swiftly established a lead.
The opening goal arrived in the 16th minute, courtesy of Peter Remmert, who skillfully dribbled into the penalty area before laying the ball for Moussa Sylla to calmly slot home from close range. Just seven minutes later, new signing Nikola Katic doubled Schalke’s advantage, heading powerfully into the net following a precise corner delivered by Christopher Antwi-Adjei.
Hertha BSC responded by reorganizing their attacking lineup and attempting to reduce the deficit, but opportunities were largely wasted throughout much of the match. The visitors finally found a route back into the game in the 89th minute when substitute Marten Winkler created an opening on the left flank, allowing Sebastian Gronning to spectacularly volley the ball into the net for a 2-1 scoreline.
The closing stages of the match were characterized by intense pressure and stoppages. A brief suspension occurred after a player sustained a head injury and Nikola Katic received a caution, narrowly avoiding a sending-off late in the match. Despite their efforts, Hertha BSC failed to find an equalizer. This initial win positions Schalke 04 favorably in the early stages of the league campaign, signaling their ambition for promotion.
