The 1997-98 campaign saw Schalke 04, under the disciplined command of Huub Stevens, consolidate their top-flight status by securing a crucial 5th-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in the Intertoto Cup. The season was most keenly felt in Europe, where Die Knappen embarked on a passionate defence of their UEFA Cup trophy, ultimately reaching the Quarter-finals before falling in a dramatic rematch against Internazionale. Leading the fighting spirit was the beloved Belgian attacker Marc Wilmots, whose 10 goals across all competitions proved vital in a memorable year that solidified Schalke's status as a formidable challenger and featured a notable 1-0 victory over rivals Bayern Munich.