On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the 2. Bundesliga as Fortuna Düsseldorf hosts FC Schalke 04 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00, and with the stakes high for both teams, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere.
For Schalke, the situation is critical. Currently sitting just above the relegation zone with 38 points from 32 matches, the team needs at least one point to secure their place in the league for next season. After a dismal run of four consecutive losses, the pressure is mounting on interim coach Jakob Fimpel, who took over from Kees van Wonderen earlier this week. Fimpel has managed a win and a draw in his first two games in charge, and a point today would help stave off the threat of relegation.
Meanwhile, Fortuna Düsseldorf is in a different battle, vying for a spot in the promotion playoffs. They are currently sixth in the standings, just two points shy of the third-place team, Elversberg. Despite being unbeaten in their last five matches, the team has drawn three in a row, which has stalled their momentum. Fortuna's coach, Daniel Thioune, is keen to turn those draws into victories, and today's match is seen as a crucial opportunity to do just that.
In the lead-up to the match, both sets of fans have organized special events to mark the occasion. The Düsseldorf Ultras are celebrating the club's 130th anniversary with a large choreography display in the stadium, while they also plan a bike ride to the arena, gathering at the "Fortuna-Büdchen" at 9:00 AM. On the other side, Schalke fans are encouraged to participate in a "Trikottour," where they will wear their team jerseys to create a unified visual display in the stands.
With 51,500 spectators expected, including around 10,000 Schalke fans, the atmosphere is sure to be electric. Both fan bases have a rich history of rivalry, and today's match will be no exception. The last home game between these two teams saw a spectacular 5:3 victory for Düsseldorf, which has only added to the anticipation for today's clash.
As the match approaches, the excitement builds. Schalke's defensive frailties have been a significant concern this season, having conceded 58 goals, the second-worst record in the league. Meanwhile, Düsseldorf has shown strength in their offensive play, with 53 goals scored, making them the seventh-best attacking team in the league. The key for Schalke will be to tighten their defense while looking to capitalize on set pieces, as they have scored 12 goals from headers this season.
In terms of team news, Schalke will be without Tomas Kalas and Janik Bachmann due to injuries, but they welcome back Kenan Karaman and Derry Murkin, who were suspended for the previous match. U19 captain Mertcan Ayhan is also set to make his debut, adding a fresh face to the lineup. For Düsseldorf, they are hoping to continue their impressive home record against Schalke, having won all three previous home fixtures against the Gelsenkirchen club in the 2. Bundesliga.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, fans are reminded to arrive early to ensure they can witness the planned choreographies. The Düsseldorf Ultras have requested all fans in the south stand to be in their seats 20 minutes before the match begins to facilitate the choreography.
With both teams desperate for points and the added excitement of fan-led initiatives, today's match promises to be a memorable encounter in the 2. Bundesliga. The stakes couldn't be higher as Schalke fights to avoid relegation and Düsseldorf aims for promotion.
Fans can catch the action live on Sky, with coverage starting at 12:30 PM on Sky Sport Bundesliga 3 HD. The game is also available for streaming on platforms like WOW and OneFootball, making it accessible for fans unable to attend in person.
As the players take to the field, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes showdown? With everything on the line, both teams will need to bring their A-game to secure the points they desperately need.
