Schalke clinched the 2. Bundesliga title with a 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf, sealing promotion, just a day after confirming their top-flight return.

Hannover 96 rallied for a 3-3 draw with Preußen Münster after leading 2-0, with Teitur Thordarson scoring late and Jorrit Hendrix equalizing in stoppage time to deny a direct promotion spot.

Hannover remains dependent on other results for direct promotion with two matchdays left in the season.

The result is framed as turning a solid promotion bid into an exceptionally notable season, with promoters referring to a “perfect weekend.”

Elversberg surged in promotion contention by overpowering SC Paderborn 5-1, climbing to second with two games left and putting Schalke on the cusp of clinching the 2. Bundesliga title.

Elversberg’s first-half goals came from Rohr, Mokwa, Petkov (twice), and Raif Adam, while Brackelmann scored for Paderborn and Tigges received a late yellow-red card.

Schalke’s title confirms their return to the Bundesliga, signaling a successful rebuild after recent struggles.

Schalke’s ascent comes as Elversberg’s victory accelerates their own promotion push, aided by favorable results for Schalke in other matches.

The broader promotion race saw Schalke’s promotion and title achieved in close sequence, with Elversberg pushing toward Bundesliga promotion on merit.

Hannover played before a sold-out 49,000 crowd, underscoring strong support for a return to top flight, though the direct route remains unresolved with two matches remaining.

Lukas Petkov starred by scoring twice and adding an assist, bringing his season total to 19 direct contributions.

Hannover dominated early possession but Münster struck on counter and set-pieces, with late drama including a critical clearance by Thordarson.