Schalke 04 relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time in 33 years

Schalke 04 have been relegated from the Bundesliga following their 1-0 defeat to Arminia Bielefeld on Matchday 30.

Needing a win or a draw to maintain their slim chances of avoiding the drop, Schalke fell to a narrow defeat against Arminia Bielefeld, courtesy of Fabian Klos’ 50th minute winner. The defeat, Schalke’s 21st of the season, leaves them 13 points behind Hertha Berlin, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot. And with just four games left before the end of the season, the Royal Blues do not have enough time left to save their Bundesliga status.

Schalke 04 will now be playing in the 2. Bundesliga next season, which means that there will be no Revierderby in the Bundesliga for at least one year. The only way arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund and Schalke can face each other next season is if they are drawn together in the DFB Pokal. This is Schalke’s fourth relegation from the German top flight, and their first since 1988.

It has been a disastrous season for Schalke 04 right from the start. They suffered an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich on matchday one of the Bundesliga. Schalke’s fortunes did not get any better from there, and they had to wait until January to register their first league win. They have had five head coaches this season, but have only won two matches.

While Schalke have been relegated, Arminia Bielefeld have given their chances of staying in the Bundesliga a major boost with the win. Last season’s 2. Bundesliga champions are now in 14th place, four points clear of 17th placed FC Köln. The relegation battle looks set to go down the wire this season, with Hertha Berlin, Mainz 05 and Werder Bremen also involved in the fight to stay in the Bundesliga.