Two-goal Huntelaar sends Schalke into Champions League
File photo shows Schalke 04’s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar celebrating a victory against HJK Helsinki during the Europa League playoff second leg soccer match in Gelsenkirchen August 25, 2011. Huntelaar’s two goals help send Schalke into the Champions League on April 28, 2012. – Reuters picBERLIN, April 28 – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored twice and Raul was also on target in his last home appearance as Schalke 04 thumped woeful Hertha Berlin 4-0 today to clinch a place in the Champions League next season.
Schalke guaranteed third place in the Bundesliga after Borussia Moenchengladbach were held 0-0 at home by Augsburg on the penultimate day of the season.
Gladbach made sure of fourth place and a spot in the qualifying stages of the Champions League.
Augsburg’s draw secured their place in the top flight next season as did Hamburg SV following a goalless draw at home to Mainz 05.
Hertha were saved from certain relegation after Cologne, two points above them in the relegation playoff spot, were thumped 4-1 at Freiburg.
Forward Lucas Barrios, left on the bench for most of the season, scored a hat-trick as Borussia Dortmund, crowned champions last week, celebrated with a 5-2 win at relegated Kaiserslautern. – Reuters
