Half-term report: FC Schalke 04
Cologne - Despite a turbulent first season-half at the Veltins Arena, FC Schalke 04 are well-positioned to qualify for the UEFA Champions League once again.
bundesliga.com takes a closer look at the Royal Blues' 2014/15 Hinrunde...
Click here for a statistical analysis of Schalke's season so far...
Top facts
- Schalke are the most clinical team in the league, averaging just seven shots per goal.
No club has scored more headers than the Royal Blues' nine.
Only FC Bayern have conceded fewer goals from free kicks (two) than Di Matteo's men (three).
Flop facts
- Schalke have won fewer corners (52) than any other team in the league.
Die Knappen have allowed more shots on their own goal than any other club (277).
Not other team has allowed the opposition to put in as many crosses as Schalke (255).
Best of social media
Best quote
"We’re the perfect foil for each other. Last week the 'Hunter' scored a hat-trick against Mainz, now I did the same against Stuttgart."
- Choupo-Moting bagged the first treble of his career against Stuttgart on Matchday 13, a week after Huntelaar had netted a hat-trick against Mainz.
Best match
Matchday 14: VfB Stuttgart 0-4 FC Schalke 04
Choupo-Moting's hat-trick helped the Royal Blues record their first away victory under Di Matteo at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, with Max Meyer was also on target against former Schalke head coach Huub Stevens' south-west strugglers.