Rate it!

0 votes

The Gelsenkirchen club are one point behind third place - the final qualifying spot - after triumphing 4-1 on Sunday against the club that pipped them to the title last season.

It was the club's first league match back after the massive winter break in Germany.

"This result brings us to within a point of the places where we would like to finish the season," said Slomka.

"It took a while for us to find our rhythm because we had changed our system.

"All four goals came through set-pieces - always a good route - then it was nice to see Ze Roberto get his first goal for us on his debut."

Striker Kevin Kuranyi, who used to feature for Stuttgart, was rushed back from injury and scored in the rout; however he was booked for taking off his shirt in celebration and will now miss a massive derby clash with Borussia Dortmund next weekend.

"It is a shame that Kevin Kuranyi will now be suspended, having made such a sensational comeback. It was a stupid yellow card."

Schalke are on the tail of Hamburg and Leverkusen, while Bremen are four points ahead of them and leaders Bayern seven.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport