Neustadter: Schalke were tense before win

Neustadter: Schalke relieved to progress

Nov 22, 2012 2:10:00 AM

The midfielder has admitted to widespread anxiety ahead of a victory that secured a third successive qualification to the knock-out stages of the Champions League

Schalke's Roman Neustadter has admitted that he was relieved after the Bundeliga side progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Olympiakos.

Despite the Konigsblauens' recent success in Europe's elite competition in recent times, the former Borussia Monchengaldbach midfielder conceded that his team-mates were anxious prior to kick-off.

"We were all quite tense ahead of the game," the Germany international told reporters after the game.

"I did not really sleep that well, and we are all extremely happy to have reached the next round."

Meanwhile, club captain Benedikt Howedes has praised his side's opponents for making it hard for them, but was adamant that his side deserved to progress.

"It was tough work today but we deserved to win as we clearly dominated the opposition."

Schalke will look to secure top spot with a trip to Montpellier on matchday 6.