Schalke kick off new second division season with win over Hertha

Schalke claimed all three points on opening night in Germany's second division thanks to a 2-1 home win against Hertha Berlin on Friday. Moussa Sylla in the 16th minute and Nikola Katić in the 23rd gave Schalke the 2-0 lead before the break.

Schalke's Nikola Katic (L) celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's Nikola Katic (L) celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa

Schalke claimed all three points on opening night in Germany's second division thanks to a 2-1 home win against Hertha Berlin on Friday.

Moussa Sylla in the 16th minute and Nikola Katić in the 23rd gave Schalke the 2-0 lead before the break.

Sebastian Grönning pulled one back for Hertha in the 89th but the five minutes of added time were not enough for the Berlin team to find the equalizer.

"Incredible atmosphere, great win," forward Peter Remmert told broadcaster Sky.

Despite the win, Schalke had a late upset as goalscorer Katić was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a handball before the final whistle.

Schalke are one of the biggest and most traditional football clubs in Germany, but are entering their third season in the second division following their relegation in 2023-24.

Hertha were relegated in the same season, leaving Union Berlin as the only representative from the German capital in the top tier.

Schalke's Nikola Katic (C) celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's Nikola Katic (C) celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's Ron Schallenberg (R) and Berlin's Niklas Kolbe battle for the ball during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's Ron Schallenberg (R) and Berlin's Niklas Kolbe battle for the ball during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's Nikola Katic (L) and Berlin's Fabian Reese battle for the ball during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's Nikola Katic (L) and Berlin's Fabian Reese battle for the ball during the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke and Hertha BSC at the Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa

Category: General Sports