2. Bundesliga: Džeko helps Schalke stay top with win over Bielefeld

Edin Džeko’s solitary goal was enough for Schalke to beat Arminia Bielefeld at Veltins Arena.

Edin Džeko continued his streak of scoring in every home game since signing for Schalke as his solitary strike saw the league leaders beat Arminia Bielefeld. The Bosnian striker will turn 40 this month, but he has been the difference maker to boost Schalke’s promotion hopes.

Fellow January signing Adil Aouchiche was the architect behind the goal with a precise corner-kick delivery as Džeko made no mistake from close range after Mertcan Ayhan, who replaced the suspended Nikola Katić at the center-back, hit the crossbar with a header.

Including Kenan Karaman’s effort that was denied by the woodwork, the hosts had multiple chances to close the game early in the second-half. However, Bielefeld roared back in the final 15 minutes in search of their first point in three games.

Joel Grodowski thought he leveled the score with another set-piece play, but the goal was chalked off for an offside after a VAR check. Schalke reached 50 points after their third win in four games, whereas Bielefeld could be dragged closer to the relegation zone if results elsewhere go against them.