I was very mean last week and left you all on tender hooks as we qualified for the Bundesliga promotion playoffs where we would be facing the might of Hertha Berlin, who had had a poor season, finishing 16th.
If you would like to catch up on the first season you can here.
Our preparations for this huge away leg were not ideal as our on loan star striker Folarin Balogun was called up to the USA national squad. This left us lacking a bit of firepower up top.
Hertha undoubtably have a fantastic squad and should no way shape and form be finishing 16th in the Bundesliga so this is going to be a tough test.
We are 180 minutes away from achieving the first goal in this save, Promotion back to The Bundesliga. Lets see how we got on.
Bundesliga/Bundesliga.2 Playoffs First Leg - Schalke (A)
We produced a classic rear-guard performance to stifle the might of Hertha.
They had more chances and the better ones but were unable to take them. Maybe a sign of their season up until this point.
It took a moment of magic to separate the two teams and it was our makeshift left back who provided it.
Honsak, playing deeper on the left than usual picked the ball up inside our own half ran at the retreating Hertha defence, he beat one and fired and unstoppable shot into the bottom left had side of the goal from 25 yards.
This proved to be the only goal of the game and we take a slender advantage home for the 2nd leg.
1-0 Darmstadt.
Bundesliga/Bundesliga.2 Playoffs Second Leg - Schalke (H)
We welcomed back Balogun from his international duties for the return leg which massively boosted our chances.
In another even contest the game went back and fourth with both teams creating a lot more than they did in the first leg.
We took the lead on the day in the 14th minute as Schnellhardt was brought down in the box He dusted himself off and slotted the penalty beyond the keeper.
1-0 Darmstadt
This appeared to knock the wind out of Hertha's Sails and they rarely threatened us for the rest of the first half.
The second half was very tight and it took until the 86th minute for their to be any form of meaningful action. Worryingly it was for Hertha as they were awarded a very soft penalty which they converted.
1-1 With 4 mins to play.
This was concerning as one more Hertha goal would see them win the tie on away goals.
I needn't have worried as we punished Hertha on the counter attack to secure the victory. It was rarely used back up winger Manu who grabbed his first goal of the season in the 94th minute.
First goal of the save completed, a return to the big time at the first time as asking. A massive achievement and huge for the progression of this club.
Season Review
Thanks for reading and I will see you all in the Bundesliga next season.
Cheers
Panda
If you have enjoyed this episode and want to see some of our adventures from FM21 you can see them below.
You can start on our Wycombe Wanderers Journey way back at the beginning here - The Wycombe Wanderers Journey sadpanda333.co.uk
We also recently had our turn in a joint save with other FM creators called "The Far East Express. Please check out our episodes with the link below. One hell of a journey going on in that save.
We also have an fascinating International save going as we attempt to take Jamaica to Gold Cup and World Cup glory after acquiring some new recruits who have been ignored repeatedly by England
