Schalke seals promotion back to the Bundesliga after 3 seasons away

ABC News·May 2

Schalke seals promotion back to the Bundesliga after 3 seasons away

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany -- Edin Džeko returned in time for the celebrations as seven-time German champion Schalke sealed its return to the Bundesliga with a 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday.“Back where you belong,” former Schalke great Raúl wrote on Instagram.Kenan Karaman’s strike in the 13th minute was enough for Schalke to move an unassailable 10 points clear of third-place Hannover in Germany’s second division. Hannover has three games remaining and Schalke has two. The top two teams secure automatic promotion to the top division.“I cannot put it in words,” said Karaman, the team captain who unleashed the ball inside the far post for his 14th goal of the season. “We waited a long time for this moment, as a club, as a city, all the people around it. I'm just happy that we could take the final step at home because the fans deserve it.”The supporters were urged not to storm the field and hundreds of stewards lined up to ensure there were no injuries, but the fans seemed to be content to celebrate in the stands with flares, beer and songs.“There was a lot of pressure, so much pressure. The last years weren't easy,” Karaman said of three