Klopp spoils Schalke’s title: in 2004/05, Mainz 05 were playing in the Bundesliga for the first time. The professional outsiders from Rheinhessen produced a sensation and knocked leaders Schalke off top spot on matchday 26. Rookie coach Jürgen Klopp’s side won 2–1 through goals from Fabian Gerber and Michael Thurk, shaking the little Bruchwegstadion to its foundations. A week after beating Bayern in a top-of-the-table clash, Schalke delivered a lifeless display in Mainz, slipped from first place and ended up as runners-up behind Bayern.
To make matters worse, a week after the season ended, they also lost the 2005 DFB-Pokal final in Berlin to Bayern 1–2.