A Klaas-Jan Huntelaar strike has given Schalke a 2-1 victory over Olympiakos in a dramatic contest in Athens.

The visitors applied plenty of pressure on their Greek opponents in the early stages but a lack of creativity in the final third of the pitch meant that Scahlke didn't open the scoring until the 41st minute.

Jefferson Farfan's corner evaded a number of Olympiakos defenders and Benedikt Howedes found the space to head past Balazs Megyeri.

Despite their lack of an attacking threat in the first period, the hosts were back on level terms early in the second half when Djamel Abdoun took advantage of some poor defending to fire his shot through a crowd of players to shock Schalke.

Huntelaar restored his side's lead just a minute later, collecting a pass from Lewis Holtby before applying a powerful finish to leave Megyeri with no chance in the Olympiakos goal.

To complete an enthralling few minutes of play, Schalke were given the chance to extend their lead when Tranquillo Barnetta was brought down by Kostas Manolas inside the penalty area.

Huntelaar stepped up from 12 yards but the Dutch striker hit the post to ensure that the match was far from over.

Both sides had opportunities to score late in the match and Schalke were left breathing a sigh of relief when Rafik Djebbour's free header landed wide of Lars Unnerstall's goal.