Karlsruhe SC’s Winless Streak Continues in 2-1 Defeat to FC Schalke 04
Karlsruhe SC’s dismal start to 2025 continued on Saturday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat away to FC Schalke 04 in the 2. Bundesliga. The defeat marks the fourth consecutive match without a win for Christian Eichner’s side, extending their winless streak to the entire calendar year.
Before a sell-out crowd of 61,804 at the Arena auf Schalke, the hosts took an early lead through Janik Bachmann in the 6th minute. Schalke doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Pape Meissa Ba netted his first goal for the club. Leon Jensen had briefly equalized for KSC in the 25th minute.
Schalke’s victory lifts them to 11th place in the standings, creating a five-point buffer from the relegation zone. Karlsruhe, meanwhile, remain in 10th place with 30 points, having failed to register a victory in 2025.
Early Dominance for Schalke
Schalke seized the initiative from the outset, controlling possession and creating early chances. In the 5th minute, Marius Bülter’s cross found Marius Lode at the back post, but his header went wide. A minute later, Schalke took the lead. Mohr’s cross evaded the Karlsruhe defense and fell to Bachmann, who was unmarked and calmly slotted the ball home.
Karlsruhe Responds
Despite Schalke’s early dominance, Karlsruhe responded well to the setback. In the 25th minute, a well-worked move down the left flank led to the equalizer. Jerome Gondorf played a delightful through ball to Jensen, who raced into the box and slotted the ball past Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.
Ba’s Goal Proves Decisive
After Jensen’s equalizer, the game settled into a more even rhythm. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances, but Schalke regained the lead just before half-time. Bülter’s cross found Ba in the box, and the Senegalese striker made no mistake with a powerful header.
Quiet Second Half
The second half was a much quieter affair, with neither side able to generate much attacking momentum. Schalke defended resolutely, while Karlsruhe struggled to break down the home side’s organized backline.
In the end, Schalke held on for a 2-1 victory, their first since the winter break. Karlsruhe, on the other hand, will be desperately searching for answers as their winless streak continues.
Post-Match Reaction
"We started well and took the lead, but Karlsruhe fought back well and deserved their equalizer," said Schalke coach Thomas Reis. "However, we showed great character to come back and win the game. Three points is very important for us."
"We’re very disappointed," said Eichner. "We had a good chance to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We need to find a way to stop this negative run."
Key Takeaways
- Schalke’s early dominance and clinical finishing proved decisive.
- Karlsruhe showed resilience to equalize but failed to capitalize on their momentum.
- Schalke’s victory gives them a much-needed boost in their battle to avoid relegation.
- Karlsruhe’s winless streak continues, raising questions about Eichner’s ability to turn things around.
