Schalke to host Hertha Berlin in Bundesliga 2 season opener
Schalke will host Hertha Berlin in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 Bundesliga 2 season on 1 August (kick-off 8.30pm CEST).
It means that Germany's second tier is set to begin the new campaign in style as two of the country's biggest clubs, respectively relegated from the Bundesliga in 2021 and 2023, go head-to-head.
The Royal Blues struggled in 2024/25 and ended the season in 14th place, just three points above the relegation play-off spot, while Hertha were three rungs and six points better off.
Hertha have had the upper hand across the teams' four meetings in Bundesliga 2 in recent years, winning two, drawing one and losing one, even if Schalke won the most recent encounter in March 2-1.
Overall, this Matchday 1 match-up will be the 100th game between the teams across Germany's top two divisions and cup competitions, of which Schalke have won 46 times to Hertha's 37, with 17 draws.
Watch: Schalke's 2-1 win over Hertha in March 2025
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