Schalke beat Union to claim first Bundesliga win in three years

Schalke claimed their first Bundesliga win in more than three years with a 3-1 victory against Union Berlin on Friday evening.

The club from Gelsenkirchen is making its comeback to the top tier after three seasons in the second division. In their first two matches, they lost to Augsburg and heroically held champions Bayern Munich to a goalless draw.

"We did incredibly well. Happy to finally have arrived in the Bundesliga," defender Robin Goses said.

Veteran Gosens broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, but didn't celebrate scoring against his former club.

Leopold Querfeld thought he had cleared a cross to the box, but he ended up serving Gosens, whose superb volley-kick hit the ground before falling into the net. 

Schalke could have doubled their lead in the 33rd, but Adil Aouchiche's effort was cleared by Tom Rothe almost on the line.

Aouchiche, however, got another chance early in the second half and didn't miss this one. He played a neat one-two with Junior Adamu before smashing the ball into the net in the 46th.

He was initially flagged for offside, but the goal was confirmed after video review.

Union started showing signs of a reaction. Goalkeeper Loris Karius was forced into a superb save to paw away Andras Schäfer's powerful drive from close range in the 55th, and Rothe hit the bar just a minute later.

But as the hosts were building momentum, the game was interrupted in the 60th minute due to a curious situation.

Play was halted as referee Timo Gerach walked to the touchline and gestured he needed treatment on his right calf. Despite being treated by Union's doctor, Gerach couldn't continue.

The game resumed eight minutes later and with a new referee: Jarno Wienefeld, originally listed as the fourth official, stepped in. He had previously officiated 13 matches in the second division.

Due to the interruption, the game had 12 minutes of added time and Tim Skarke pulled one back for Union six minutes in, but Maximilian Wöber sealed the win for Schalke with the last act of the game.

"It was very special. I have a lot of respect for Union, I've had a positive experience here. In the end, we're thrilled with the three points. I'm very happy I've helped my team today. We really deserved it," Gosens said.

Union are still winless in the Bundesliga this season after a draw with Eintracht Frankfurt and a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the first two matches.

"If you don't defend with consistency, then things will become difficult in the Bundesliga," Union midfielder Rani Khedira said.

Saturday's schedule includes Borussia Dortmund v Paderborn and Augsburg v Bayer Leverkusen, while Bayern Munich visit Bundesliga's new sensation Elversberg.