Schalke blew away an outclassed AEK Larnaca to all but secure qualification from Europe League Group J.
The Bundesliga side had the game wrapped up by half-time thanks to three goals in an 18-minute spell before two more goals at the death made the scoreline even more emphatic.
Lewis Holtby set the Germans on their way and Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Benedikt Howedes headed the second and third in quick succession to end the Cypriot side’s hope of pulling off a shock.
Julian Draxler and Huntelaar with his second produced close-range finishes as the clock ticked down to seal a comprehensive win.