Elversberg secure promotion play-off spot at Schalke | OneFootball

Elversberg edge closer to Bundesliga dream as crucial win at Schalke secures promotion play-off spot

Elversberg clinched a crucial 2-1 victory over Schalke at the Veltins-Arena, with goals from Lukas Petkov and Maurice Neubauer securing a spot in the play-offs for the Saarlanders, which brings them one step closer to making their dream of Bundesliga promotion a reality.

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Schalke 1-2 ElversbergGoals: 0-1 Petkov (20‘), 0-2 Neubauer (47‘), 1-2 Ben Balla (85‘)

Schalke's Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen would be where the dream would live or die for Elversberg, with the visitors chasing their first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga. The immense significance of the match could not be understated for Elversberg, who entered the final matchday with a chance to even secure automatic promotion, as well as promotion play-off spot. For Schalke, it was an opportunity to salvage some pride in front of their passionate home support after a disappointing season in the second division.

The travelling Elversberg fans were out in full force to try and get their team over the line in Gelsenkirchen. (SF / SF)

Early drama and Petkov's stunner

The opening exchanges were tense, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Elversberg's strategy of playing long balls to Fisnik Asllani caused early problems for the Schalke defence. The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute through a spectacular strike from Semih Şahin, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up. However, Elversberg didn't have to wait long for their breakthrough. In the 20th minute, Petkov unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards out, leaving Schalke goalkeeper Justin Heekeren with no chance. The goal demonstrated Petkov's exceptional technique and gave the midfielder a chance to make amends, having been the player offside in the build-up to Şahin's disallowed opener.

Petkov was swarmed by his teammates after providing his side with the lead in the first half with a spectacular effort from range. (IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images)

Neubauer doubles the lead

Any hopes of a Schalke comeback were dealt a severe blow just two minutes into the second half. Neubauer, capitalising on hesitant defending, fired a powerful shot on the half-volley from the edge of the box that flew past Heekeren, deflecting off the inside of the post to double Elversberg's lead. The goal, coming so soon after the restart, visibly deflated the home side and their supporters. Schalke's coach Jakob Fimpel responded with a double substitution, bringing on Yassin Ben Balla and Christopher Antwi-Adjei in an attempt to change the course of the match.

Neubauer watched the ball drop all the way before executing a precision strike on the half-volley for Elversberg's second. (IMAGO/Ralf Brueck)

Lasogga's return and late drama

In the 70th minute, the Veltins-Arena erupted as Pierre-Michel Lasogga made his long-awaited return to Bundesliga 2 action, coming on as a substitute for Schalke. The veteran striker's introduction gave the home side a boost, and they began to push forward with renewed vigour. Their efforts were rewarded in the 85th minute when substitute Ben Balla headed home from close range, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope. The goal set up a tense finale, with Schalke pushing for an equaliser that would deny Elversberg their crucial victory. However, the visitors' defence held firm, repelling Schalke's desperate attacks to secure a monumental 2-1 win.

Ben Balla's late header set up a nervy end to the game for Elversberg. (IMAGO/Tim Rehbein/RHR-FOTO)

Player of the Match: Lukas Petkov

Lukas Petkov's performance was instrumental in Elversberg's victory. His stunning opening goal not only laid the foundation for his team's confident display, but throughout the matchtoo, Petkov was a constant threat, linking play effectively and providing a creative spark in midfield. His goal demonstrated his ability to produce moments of magic when his team needed it most - a crucial asset to have in a promotion push. Petkov's influence extended beyond his goal, as he contributed to Elversberg's solid possession play and helped relieve pressure on the defence during Schalke's periods of dominance.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Schalke 1.08 - Elversberg 0.53Fastest player: Robin Fellhauer (Elversberg), 34.02 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Lukas Petkov (Elversberg), 3 percentMost pressed player: Muhammed Damar (Elversberg), 23 times under pressurePass efficiency: Marcin Kamiński (Schalke), +2.69

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