Robin Gosens feels conflicted after scoring against Union Berlin

Robin Gosens scored his first Bundesliga goal for Schalke 04 on Friday evening, volleying home against former club Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The 32‑year‑old opened the scoring in a match that ended 3‑1, giving Schalke their first league goal since May 2023.

First‑half tension

Schalke entered the match desperate for a breakthrough, having not found the net in the Bundesliga since May 2023. Gosens, a lifelong supporter, seized the moment in the 25th minute. A cross from Soufiane El‑Fauzi reached Leopold Querfeld, whose miskick sent the ball to the far post where Gosens volleyed it home.

Second‑half drama and final whistle

After the early lead, Schalke maintained pressure and eventually extended the advantage to three goals, while Union Berlin struggled to create clear chances. The visitors could not find an equaliser, and the referee’s final whistle confirmed a 3‑1 victory for Schalke. The fixture was recorded as St in the club’s schedule.

“I have great respect for Union,” Gosens told Sky Germany after the match. He recalled the intense relegation‑battle rescue Union endured on the final day of the 2023/24 season, describing it as a ‘very intensive time.’

“On the other hand, it was my first Bundesliga goal for Schalke,” he continued. “As a boyhood Schalke fan, it was a strange feeling, but I’m happy we got the three points.”

Gosens’ tenure at Union Berlin had been turbulent. He arrived in August 2023 after a Champions League final with Inter Milan, quickly becoming one of the club’s most productive attackers with six league goals and four assists in a single season. Despite his contributions, Union endured a nine‑match losing streak and a late‑season relegation‑play‑off escape.

Months later, Gosens left Union for Fiorentina on the final day of the 2024 summer transfer window, a move that surprised teammates but reflected his family’s preference for Italy. The loan later became permanent, and his Union record finished at 39 competitive appearances, seven goals and four assists.

Reflecting on the night at the Alte Försterei, Gosens admitted the goal felt both rewarding and unsettling, an ‘El’ instinct he trusted at the far post. He praised the atmosphere at the stadium and looks forward to contributing further to Schalke’s campaign.