2. Bundesliga: Schalke take giant step towards promotion with dramatic comeback win over Paderborn | OneFootball

In a heavyweight clash between first and second, it was Paderborn who surged into a commanding 2-0 lead, only for Schalke to produce another display of resilience, capped by Dejan Ljubicic’s decisive 83rd-minute winner.

The hosts made the brighter start and struck after just 13 minutes. Mika Baur picked out the overlapping Laurin Curda on the edge of the area, and the full-back produced a stunning first-time volley into the bottom corner, leaving Loris Karius with no chance.

Paderborn nearly doubled their lead moments later through Stefano Marino, and they did just that in the 26th minute. A miscued effort from Ruben Müller fell kindly for Filip Bilbija, whose close-range attempt was denied by Karius, but Marino reacted quickest to the rebound to fire home and put the hosts firmly in control.

Schalke, however, responded in the manner that has defined their campaign. They pulled one back in the 35th minute when Moussa N’Diaye delivered an inviting cross into the box, allowing Ljubicic to stretch and guide the ball past Dennis Seimen.

The equaliser arrived just five minutes later. Adil Aouchiche initiated the move before releasing Moussa Sylla, whose effort was saved by Seimen, but Aouchiche followed in to convert the rebound and restore parity before the break after a breathless first half.

The tempo dropped after the restart, with both sides showing greater caution as the stakes became increasingly apparent. Midfield battles dominated proceedings, and clear-cut chances were at a premium as the contest edged towards a stalemate.

But Schalke had the final say. With seven minutes remaining, Sylla drove into the penalty area and was dispossessed at the crucial moment, only for the ball to fall perfectly for Ljubicic, who calmly slotted home first time to complete the turnaround and spark wild celebrations among the travelling support.

Paderborn threw bodies forward in search of a late equaliser but were unable to breach Schalke’s resolute defence, as the visitors held firm to secure a priceless three points.

The victory marks a fourth consecutive win for Schalke, extending their lead at the summit to six points and opening up a seven-point gap to third place, leaving them with one foot firmly in the Bundesliga. Paderborn, meanwhile, suffer their first defeat since February and miss the opportunity to strengthen their grip on second place, with Hannover now closing in.