2 win on the 31st matchday of the 2.. Bundesliga. This victory secured the club a “matchball” (a vital advantage) toward promotion.
The match was highly exciting. Paderborn took the lead first, with Laurin Curda scoring a fine volley shot in the 13th minute. Stefano Marino doubled the advantage for the hosts in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a deflection from Shalke goalkeeper Karius.
However, Schalke showed great determination and fought their way back into the game. Dejan Ljubicic reduced the deficit in the 35th minute, converting a cross from Ndiaye. Just before halftime, Adil Aouchiche equalized, making the score 2:2, following a shot that was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, Seimen.
The second half remained intense, and it was once again Dejan Ljubicic who gave Schalke the winning goal in the 83rd minute. After an assist from El-Faouzi, Sylla passed the ball to Ljubicic, who scored from seven yards out to make the final score 3:2.
With this win, Schalke is now in a position to confirm their promotion spot next Saturday against Fortuna Düsseldorf. Meanwhile, Paderborn remains only one point ahead of the relegation zone.
Other results from the afternoon included VfL Bochum defeating Greuther Fürth 2:1, and 1. FC Nürnberg beating 1. FC Magdeburg 1:0.