Second-half goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Julian Draxler wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 victory for Schalke over Steaua Bucuresti in the Champions League.
The home side dominated the opening proceedings, with Adam Szalai and Boateng both going close.
© AFP
The first half passed without either side carving out any clear-cut chances, although Boateng was at the centre of everything positive for Schalke.
Bucuresti's first chance came in the second half, when Alexandru Bourceanu bent an effort towards goal after Timo Hildebrand's weak punch, but the midfielder's strike curled inches wide of the post.
However, all the away side's good work was undone by a moment of madness in defence. Atsuto Uchida sent a cross towards goal, which was left at the last minute by Lukasz Szukala and bounced beyond a hapless Ciprian Tatarusanu in goal.
With Steaua becoming more adventurous in search of an equaliser, Schalke were afforded more space in attacking areas.
Szalai and Boateng both should have done better when well placed, but the latter wrapped up victory for the home side with 12 minutes remaining. Draxler played a wonderful ball into the Ghana international, who finished with aplomb.
The provider became scorer with five minutes remaining, as Draxler's delightful dink made it 3-0.
With the game in stoppage time, Christian Clemens almost got himself on the scoresheet, but his first-time effort came back off the post.
Kristian Johnson
