Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a hat-trick as Schalke 04 recovered from their Champions League disappointment in style by beating Mainz 05 4-1 in Gelsenkirchen this afternoon.
Roberto Di Matteo's side needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock through Huntelaar, who found space to collect Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's flick-on before lobbing the helpless Loris Karius.
The hosts continued to dominate, and they were rewarded with a second goal midway through the first half when Huntelaar volleyed home from Max Meyer's inviting cross.
Karius was forced into action to prevent Huntelaar from completing a hat-trick before the break with a fine low save.
Despite dominating for much of the first half, Schalke saw their lead reduced when Shinji Okazaki tapped in from close range after Ralf Fahrmann had denied Stefan Bell.
Tranquillo Barnetta was sent on at the start of the second half to give Schalke another option going forward, and the Swiss midfielder made an impact quickly by extending Schalke's advantage with a strike from 25 yards.
Schalke scored a fourth seven minutes later when Huntelaar grabbed his third of the afternoon by slotting home after latching on to an inch-perfect pass from Choupo-Moting.
Mainz offered no sign of producing a late comeback as Schalke cruised to all three points to climb to fifth.
Callum Mulvihill
