FC Schalke 04 celebrates Bundesliga return with 100,000 fans

FC Schalke 04 celebrated its return to the Bundesliga with a massive season-opening event known as "Schalke-Tag," attracting more than 100,000 fans to the area around the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The event featured appearances by club officials and players, including Edin Džeko, who participated in autograph sessions.

Despite the fan euphoria, the club faced mixed results and ongoing challenges. In a friendly match held during the festivities, Schalke lost 0-3 to the Italian side Atalanta Bergamo. Within the squad, defender Vitalie Becker emphasized a realistic goal of mere survival in the top flight, stating, "It is only about staying in the class."

Financially, the club remains under pressure with 96 million euros in negative equity that must be addressed by the end of the year. On the transfer market, Schalke missed out on signing Christopher Olivier, who opted for a move to Bröndby IF. The club's upcoming schedule includes a test match against Real Madrid and its official competitive season start in the DFB-Pokal and Bundesliga.