Schalke moved within touching distance of a Bundesliga return after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over promotion rivals Paderborn, with Senegal defender Moussa Ndiaye playing a crucial role by providing the assist for their first goal.
The win, sealed by Dejan Ljubicic’s 83rd-minute strike, extends Schalke’s lead at the top of Bundesliga 2 to six points. With just three matches remaining, they are now firmly in control of their promotion destiny.
The match had started badly for the visitors, who found themselves 2-0 down inside 26 minutes after a sharp and clinical Paderborn start.
Laurin Curda opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a clean first-time volley from the edge of the area, finishing off a move created by Mika Baur. Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius had no chance as the ball flew into the bottom corner.
Paderborn doubled their advantage shortly after. Filip Bilbija saw his close-range effort saved, but Stefano Marino reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home to put the hosts in full control.
However, Schalke’s response highlighted why they remain top of the table. Moussa Ndiaye, the Senegal international, delivered a precise cross into the box in the 35th minute. It found Ljubicic, who stretched to guide the ball into the net and reduce the deficit.
That goal shifted momentum. Five minutes later, Schalke were level. Adil Aouchiche started the move before releasing Moussa Sylla, whose shot was saved. Aouchiche followed in and converted the rebound to make it 2-2 before half-time.
After a frantic first half, the tempo dropped significantly in the second period. Both sides became more cautious, aware of the stakes in a match that carried major promotion implications. Midfield battles dominated, and clear chances were limited.
Just when it appeared the game was heading for a draw, Schalke struck late. In the 83rd minute, Sylla broke into the box but lost possession under pressure. The ball fell kindly to Ljubicic, who finished calmly to complete the comeback and send the travelling fans into celebration.
Paderborn pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were unable to break through a disciplined Schalke defence in the closing stages.
The result marks Schalke’s fourth consecutive win and extends their unbeaten run in the league to 11 matches, dating back to January. It also leaves them on the brink of promotion back to the Bundesliga, just three years after relegation.
For Moussa Ndiaye, the assist underlined his growing influence in a Schalke side finding form at the most important stage of the season. His contribution was key in unlocking Paderborn’s defence at a moment when Schalke needed inspiration.
Paderborn, meanwhile, miss the chance to tighten their grip on second place and suffer their first defeat since February, with Hannover now closing in.
Schalke now face Fortuna Düsseldorf next weekend, where a victory could officially secure their return to Germany’s top flight.
