Hasan Kuruçay’s 29th-minute goal ultimately proved decisive for Miron Muslic’s side, who withstood a relentless second-half onslaught from Kiel to grind out the win and climb back to the summit of the Zweite Liga.
Schalke had to weather an early scare, with John Tolkin forcing a sharp save from Loris Karius inside the opening ten minutes, before taking the lead shortly after the quarter-hour mark. A corner from the left was flicked on at the near post and poked towards goal by Edin Džeko, where Kenan Karaman was perfectly placed to bundle home from close range.
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Kiel threatened again soon after, only for Karius to produce another excellent stop, this time denying Adrian Kapralik from point-blank range. Schalke then doubled their advantage just before the half-hour, again from a corner. Adil Aouchiche’s delivery was flicked on towards the back post, where Hasan Kuruçay forced the ball over the line to make it 2-0.
Kiel believed they had found an instant response through Phil Harres’ header, but the goal was swiftly ruled out for a push on Kuruçay, ensuring Schalke carried their two-goal cushion into the interval.
The hosts emerged with greater urgency after the break and were rewarded ten minutes into the second half. Jonas Therkelsen was brought down inside the area, and David Zec calmly sent Karius the wrong way from the penalty spot to hand Kiel a lifeline.
Kiel continued to pile on the pressure, dominating much of the second half but failing to make their superiority count. Harres went close once more, while Kuruçay produced a heroic goal-line clearance to deny Ivan Nekic’s header as the equaliser continued to elude the hosts with the clock ticking into the final ten minutes.
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Schalke eventually managed to steady the tide in the closing stages, throwing themselves into tackles, frustrating their opponents and defending their penalty area with discipline and resolve to protect a vital three points.
It marks a significant breakthrough for Schalke, who claim their first victory of the calendar year at the fifth attempt and end the weekend in first place. For Kiel, meanwhile, the defeat makes it three consecutive league losses, leaving the Storks 14th and dangerously close to being pulled into the relegation battle.
