GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (Interstat) — In a chaotic and high-scoring Bundesliga clash that defied pregame projections, Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin played to a 3-3 draw Friday at VELTINS-Arena. The result, which saw the lead change hands multiple times in the second half, left both teams with mixed feelings after a match filled with defensive errors and attacking flair.

The game, part of Week 28 of the German top flight, began at a furious pace. Against the run of pregame statistical models, the home side struck first. Schalke’s Tim Skarke found the net in just the 3rd minute, giving the Royal Blues an immediate advantage. Skarke turned provider ten minutes later, setting up Marius Bülter for a 13th-minute goal that doubled Schalke’s lead and seemed to put them in firm control.

Hertha Berlin, struggling to find rhythm, managed a crucial response just before halftime. In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, veteran striker Stevan Jovetić scored to cut the deficit to 2-1 and shift momentum toward the visitors.

That momentum carried into the second half’s opening moments. Schalke manager made a tactical substitution at halftime, bringing on forward Kenan Karaman. The move paid immediate dividends, as Karaman assisted Simon Terodde just three minutes after the restart. Terodde’s goal in the 48th minute restored Schalke’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.

The game appeared to be put beyond doubt in the 78th minute when Schalke’s top performer, Marius Bülter, scored his second of the afternoon off an assist from Danny Latza, making it 4-1. However, Hertha Berlin mounted a stunning late comeback. Marco Richter scored in the 84th minute, assisted by Jessic Gaïtan Ngankam, to make it 4-2. Then, in the second minute of added time, Schalke defender Marcin Kamiński scored an own goal, inexplicably turning the ball into his own net to complete the scoring at 4-3.

The frantic finish overshadowed a match that included three yellow cards. Hertha’s Kevin-Prince Boateng was booked in the 40th minute, followed by Schalke’s Moritz Jenz in the 87th and Hertha’s Filip Uremović in the 91st.

The draw leaves Schalke 04 with an undefeated record in Bundesliga play this season at one win and one draw. Hertha Berlin remains winless in the league, with one loss and one draw. The result was a surprise to Interstat’s game simulator, which had projected a 1-0 victory for Hertha Berlin, though the same service’s ELO rating system gave Schalke a 68.4 percent probability to win.

Schalke 04 must regroup quickly, as they are scheduled to travel to face Freiburg in Bundesliga action on Saturday. Hertha Berlin does not play another league match until Jan. 23, 2026, when they will host Borussia Dortmund. Their schedule before then is dominated by Regionalliga fixtures.