Job done for Schalke

Schalke sealed their place in next season's Champions League after a 2-0 win over Freiburg.

Schalke sealed their place in next season's Champions League at the very same venue where they accomplished the feat last term, following a 2-0 win over Freiburg. Kaan Ayhan and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar earned Jens Keller's men the win which means they cannot finish any lower than fourth, although they will have to play their final game of the season without Felipe Santana, who picked up a red card. Freiburg were also happy enough come the final whistle of their final home game of the season, having secured their top-flight status a week ago. Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler made Bundesliga history by becoming the youngest player ever to reach 100 top-flight appearances, at the age of 20 years and 225 days. Huntelaar also notched up a century of appearances for the Royal Blues and he inspired a strong start from Schalke which saw Kevin-Prince Boateng denied by Oliver Baumann, and Ayhan then net his first Bundesliga goal. Baumann could probably have done better to prevent the full-back's shot from striking the inside of the post on its way in. Karim Guede and Admir Mehmedi both wasted chances to bring Freiburg back into the game before Huntelaar smashed a volley against the crossbar. Mehmedi missed the target by inches just before half-time as Freiburg again went close, but their hopes of getting something out of the game were dashed when Schalke raised their game in the second half, and doubled their advantage. Draxler went close before Huntelaar's shot from distance took a deflection on its way past Baumann. The Royal Blues were unnecessarily reduced to 10 men when Santana picked up two yellow cards in just five minutes, giving Freiburg belief with an extra man, although they were unable to break down a now defensive Schalke side.