Schalke advances in Europa League courtesy of victory over APOEL Nicosia

Bundesliga outfit Schalke has progressed to the Europa League round of 32 with a game to play following Thursday's 1-0 defeat of APOEL Nicosia.

Maxim Choupo-Moting's right-footed effort minutes before the final whistle to guarantee first place in Group K, two points clear of Sparta Prague, who also advanced by virtue of a win over Greek side Asteras Tripoli.

In dispatching of the Cypriots, Die Knappen move one step closer to replicating their continental honours of 1996-97, when the club won the tournament then-named the UEFA Cup with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Inter Milan.