Schalke Hold Top Spot in Tight 2. Bundesliga Promotion Race
BERLIN, 31 January 2026 – The battle for promotion to Germany’s top flight is heating up as the 2. Bundesliga reaches its midway point. FC Schalke 04 currently sit atop the table, but a chasing pack led by SV Darmstadt 98, SC Paderborn 07, and SV Elversberg are applying intense pressure with just a handful of points separating the contenders.
The State of Play
After 19 matchdays in the 2025/26 season, Schalke have established a narrow lead with 39 points, built on a solid defensive record of conceding just 12 goals. Darmstadt, in second place, are two points behind with 37, boasting the league’s best goal difference. The race for the automatic promotion spots and the promotion play-off place remains wide open, with several clubs still firmly in contention as the season enters its decisive phase.
2. Bundesliga Table: Key Facts
| Position & Club | Points (Played) |
|---|---|
| 1. FC Schalke 04 | 39 Pts (19) |
| 2. SV Darmstadt 98 | 37 Pts (19) |
| 3. SC Paderborn 07 | 36 Pts (19) |
| 4. SV Elversberg | 35 Pts (19) |
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be critical for the leading clubs. Schalke face a tough away fixture against Fortuna Düsseldorf, while Darmstadt prepare for a high-profile clash against Hertha Berlin at the Olympiastadion. With the margin for error shrinking, every point gained or dropped could dramatically alter the promotion landscape. The competition promises a thrilling run-in towards May.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does promotion from the 2. Bundesliga work?
The top two teams at the end of the season are automatically promoted to the Bundesliga. The team that finishes third enters a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off against the 16th-placed team from the Bundesliga.
Which club has the best defensive record?
League leaders Schalke 04 have conceded the fewest goals so far this season, letting in only 12 in 19 matches.
Is there a relegation battle forming?
While the focus is on the top, the bottom of the table is equally tense. Clubs like Karlsruhe, who recently lost to Eintracht Braunschweig, will be looking over their shoulders as they aim to avoid dropping into the 3. Liga.