Schalke Claims Top Spot with Late winner Against Paderborn
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – Schalke 04 secured first place in the league with a 2-1 victory over Paderborn on Saturday, sealed by a winning goal from Bryan Lasme in the 86th minute. schalke now has 31 points, guaranteeing them the top position at the end of the matchday. Paderborn remains in second place with 29 points, but could be overtaken by SV Elversberg. Hannover 96 jumped to third place after a 3-0 win against Karlsruhe SC.
The match began with a twelve-minute period of silence in the stands, a protest against planned security measures in german stadiums. Early in the game, a penalty was initially awarded to Paderborn following a duel between Calvin Brackelmann and Schalke’s Moussa Sylla, but the decision was overturned after video review, with the referee determining the foul occurred outside the penalty area.
Paderborn took the lead with a goal from Curda, who headed the ball past Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius. Though, Schalke quickly responded before halftime with a goal from Karaman, leveling the score.
Sylla appeared to score for Schalke after the break, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call. Lasme, returning from a long injury break, ultimately secured the win for Schalke with his 86th-minute goal.