Schalke faces Hannover in top clash with Karius back in goal - Schalke 04 dominates 2. Bundesliga with five-point lead after 25 matches
FC Schalke 04 remains firmly at the top of the 2. Bundesliga after 25 matches. The team holds a five-point lead over second-placed Darmstadt 98, with 15 wins and 50 points so far. Key players are now returning to full fitness ahead of critical fixtures in April.
Goalkeeper Loris Karius, Schalke's first-choice shot-stopper, has regained form and will start in the upcoming match against Hannover. His absence saw backup keeper Kevin Müller step in, securing a clean sheet during that time.
The club's top scorer, Edin Džeko, is also back in training after a short break. His return boosts Schalke's attack as they prepare for vital clashes against Hannover and Darmstadt in the coming weeks. Looking ahead, Schalke face away trips to promotion rivals SV Elversberg and SC Paderborn in April. These matches could prove decisive in their push for automatic promotion to the Bundesliga.
Schalke's strong position—five points clear at the summit—reflects their consistency this season. With Karius and Džeko fit again, the team enters a crucial phase with confidence. The results of the next few games will shape their promotion chances before the season's end.
