SCHALKE striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is hoping to meet Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16, after his side beat Maribor 1-0 to book their ticket for the knockout stages.
Max Meyer found the net after 62 minutes of play to help the Bundesliga side to a decisive win which, coupled with Sporting Lisbon’s loss at Chelsea, enabled Roberto Di Matteo’s men reach the next round.
Schalke will find out who their opponents are in the round of 16 during Monday’s draw in Nyon and Huntelaar is ready to take on Europe’s big guns.
“Our next opponent? It would be nice to play against Barcelona. At least it’s warmer there than in Slovenia…,” the Dutchman told Sky.
“We did not attack with a lot of players, but we did well tactically. That was the key to our success. We defended very well.”
Meanwhile, defender Benedikt Howedes was pleased with Schalke’s performance against Maribor and hailed their defensive strength.
“We played as a team and we really wanted to win this match,” the Germany international said. “We had a clear plan and didn’t allow them any chances.
“We defended well and we were always dangerous in front of the opponent’s goal. I think we deserved a goal well before Max scored.”
Schalke resume Bundesliga action at home against Koln on Saturday.