Relegation battle: Schalke achieves a breakthrough against Nuremberg

With one of the best performances of the season, Schalke 04 moved away from the relegation zone in the German second division. Against 1. FC Nuremberg, the Royal Blues dominated from the first minute in a 2-0 (1-0) victory on Saturday (April 13, 2024).

Thanks to their first success with just three points from their last four matches, Schalke now has a five-point lead over the 16th relegation spot. The chance of avoiding the worst scenario increases by relegation to the third tier. With his 10th goal of the season, it was once again Kenan Karaman who set Schalke on the path to success, while Paul Seguin secured victory.

Nuremberg's goalkeeper Klaus stands against Schalke for a long time

The Royal Blues had that right from the start of the game. Yousuf Kabadayi had the first good opportunity in the first minute, but Karl Klaus blocked it from a distance of 17 metres. Five minutes later, the direct confrontation also went to the Nuremberg goalkeeper, who had kept his team in the game on other occasions from the hosts. Klaus was also there against Thomas Oegan (16th) and Kaman's first good chance (42nd).

But at some point, his resistance was no longer enough. Marcin Kaminski took possession of the ball in midfield in the 42nd minute and started a counterattack for Schalke, which ended with Nuremberg winning 1-0. After the quick attack, Kerman finished the ball on the edge of the penalty area and did not give Klaus any chance this time in the near corner. Big cheers from the Schalke team, which had already lived through another turbulent week due to the suspension of Dominic Drexler.

Schalke player Karaman misses a penalty kick

After the break, Karaman had the chance to make the match against Nuremberg a little calmer – but he missed it. After a foul by Janis Horn on Kabadayi, Schalke got a penalty kick, but Karaman only hit the crossbar (56). This almost took revenge in the direct response, but Marius Müller saved Schalke's lead with a wonderful save from Can Ozon's shot (58).

But Nuremberg then failed to increase pressure on the opponent's goal. Because Schalke no longer appeared offensively, with the exception of an individual move from Kabadayi that Klaus managed to defuse (80th minute), the match remained close and the visitors had the opportunity to equalize with a powerful moment. Horn almost scored the goal, but his free kick from 22 meters hit the crossbar (84th minute).

Seguin puts the cover on the S04

It was Nuremberg's last chance to win a point, because shortly afterwards Seguin made the decision. Klaus initially blocked again from Kabbadayi, but Seguin did not give the Nuremberg goalkeeper any chance with the subsequent shot (86th minute).

Thus Karaman, Seguin and one of the best collective performances ensured Schalke's victory and the Royal Blue breakthrough. Despite all the turmoil, coach Karel Geraerts' team was able to put aside their biggest fears of relegation. Not only because of the points, but also because of the convincing performance.