German 2.Bundesliga
2026-02-21 - Schalke 04 vs Magdeburg
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: 2.Bundesliga
Veltins Arena – Gelsenkirchen
Saturday, 14th February 2026 - kickoff 20:30 CET
Schalke 04
Schalke 04 finally won last weekend, after failing to do so for five straight games (three draws, two defeats). They beat Holstein Kiel 1-2, harder than expected, but they held on to the top of 2.Bundesliga.
The gap between leaders Schalke 04 and fifth-placed SC Paderborn is only three points, so we are entering the most important phase of the season, when slip-ups are unacceptable.
So far, Schalke 04 showed maturity and stability that makes them serious candidates for winning the 2.Bundesliga and getting the much-wanted Bundesliga promotion.
However, we have seen many teams slip in recent seasons, even when they appeared dominant, so nothing is certain at this point. Still, I expect Schalke 04 to maintain focus and deliver strong performances over the next few weeks.
Schalke 04 have been especially strong at home lately, recording four consecutive wins and two draws against Kaiserslautern and Dynamo Dresden.
Magdeburg is a team from the bottom, and I am sure Schalke 04 will take them seriously and not underestimate them as they did with Dynamo Dresden, whom they failed to beat in their last home game.
And guess who is having his second youth at Schalke 04? Edin Dzeko! The almost 40-year-old veteran has been excellent since joining the club on a free transfer from Fiorentina a month ago, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Dzeko's sole presence on the pitch appears to motivate the team further, so we will see whether he earns promotion with this team.
Magdeburg
Magdeburg is third from the bottom in 2.Bundesliga, losing three of their last four league matches. Last week’s 0-2 defeat against Arminia Bielefeld exposed their weaknesses again, and that match was their sixth of the last seven in which they conceded at least twice.
There’s plenty of time for Magdeburg to save themselves, but I doubt they can hold on in this battle. They are conceding around twice per match on average this season, and their home form is awful.
But here’s a shockingly interesting fact you only see in lower leagues. Despite being one of the worst, Magdeburg have won all their last four away games! Unbelievable.
The Betting Verdict
Last season, Schalke 04 got humiliated at home by Magdeburg, losing 2-5, but they beat them 0-2 in their first duel this season.
Now, the form and quality are clearly on Schalke 04's side. The first spot in the 2.Bundesliga is at stake, and I don’t think Schalke 04 will slip up against relegation-threatened Magdeburg under floodlights on a Saturday evening home game. Back the home win at excellent odds.
The Pick :
Schalke 04 2-0 Magdeburg
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Schalke 04 to win at odds of 2.08 at Cloudbet
