Schalke kick off new second division season with win over Hertha

Royal Blues Rule Home Turf: Schalke Defeats Hertha in Thrilling Opener

Schalke secures victory on opening night of 2nd Bundesliga with a late drama-filled win.

Schalke kicked off their 2023-24 2nd Bundesliga campaign with a resounding 2-1 victory over Hertha Berlin at the Veltins Arena.

Moussa Sylla opened the scoring for Schalke in the 16th minute, quickly followed by Nikola Katić’s goal just seven minutes later, leaving Hertha facing a two-goal deficit before halftime. Despite Sebastian Grönning's late effort to pull one back for Hertha in the 89th minute, the Berlin side couldn't find the equalizer in the remaining five minutes of added time.

"Incredible atmosphere, great win," exclaimed Schalke forward Peter Remmert after the match, reflecting on the electric home crowd support.

However, Schalke’s victory was marred by a late setback as Katić saw red for a handball offense, earning him a second yellow card shortly before the final whistle.

The result marks a promising start for Schalke in their pursuit of promotion back to the top tier of German football. Hertha's relegation last season leaves Union Berlin as the sole representative from Berlin in the Bundesliga.

Schalke, one of Germany's biggest and most historic clubs, are entering their third consecutive season in the 2nd Bundesliga following their relegation in 2023-24.