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FC Schalke 04 staged a surprising Bundesliga title challenge during the 2004–05 season, despite a poor start that led to the dismissal of manager Jupp Heynckes. The club turned to the largely unproven Ralf Rangnick, who revitalized the team and guided them to level on points with title rivals Bayern Munich after a crucial 1–0 victory secured by a goal from Lincoln. However, Bayern subsequently dominated the league, pulling a full 14 points clear of Schalke, who ultimately settled for a strong runners-up finish and qualification for the Champions League. Beyond the league, the squad also reached the final of the DFB-Pokal and competed in European competitions, including the UEFA Intertoto Cup and the UEFA Cup, where they advanced to the knockout phase before exiting in the Round of 32. The season was ultimately defined by Rangnick's impressive turnaround, transforming a faltering campaign into a memorable near-miss for the title.