On matchday, Gelsenkirchen transforms as locals flock to Schalke's Veltins-Arena. In their first Bundesliga game in three years, Schalke faced Augsburg and, despite a 3-0 defeat, 6,000 fans remained to support the team. Professor Frank Eckardt highlighted the deep connection fans have with Schalke, noting that many even commemorate the club on their gravestones.

After falling to Bundesliga 2 due to massive debts and the impact of Covid-19, Schalke returned to the top flight in 2022, but this resurgence proved short-lived. In the following season, they finished 14th, barely avoiding relegation.

Expert Mark Lovell pointed out that Schalke's struggle stemmed from chasing success while living beyond their means. New leadership emerged with coach Miron Muslic, who revitalized the team with a high-press style, gaining the fans' trust and loyalty. Robin Haack described him as the face of Schalke's promotion, while Frank Baumann, the new director of football, worked miracles with limited resources.

Key signing Edin Dzeko, who joined from Fiorentina, added crucial experience, scoring eight goals in 13 games. Defender Christian Fuchs emphasized Dzeko's role in building club culture and stability.

As Schalke prepares for their first home game against Bayern Munich, expectations remain modest, with fans hoping to avoid relegation. Muslic acknowledged the club's glorious past while focusing on a humble but ambitious future in the Bundesliga.