Schalke review priorities

Fourth-placed Schalke have fallen four points behind Werder Bremen with four matches left to clinch the spot that offers a place in the Champions League qualifying round. They have won three points from their last five Bundesliga matches.

"I'd trade that - I'd rather play in the Champions League next season than in this year's UEFA Cup final," Assauer told German television before the match in Gelsenkirchen's sold out arena. Schalke won the UEFA Cup in 1997.

They were knocked out the Champions League at the group phase earlier this season.

Coach Mirko Slomka will leave playmaker Lincoln and Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi on the bench because of the poor form of two of his most important players. They were booed by Schalke fans after leaving the pitch in Saturday's home draw against relegation-threatened Cologne.

"Everyone has to put the team first and that includes Lincoln," said Slomka. Lincoln refused to shake Slomka's hand and brushed past his coach after leaving the pitch.