Milan: Schalke stunned ten-man Inter in a highly entertaining match that also proved to be a horror show of defending as the Germans ran out 5-2 winners.
With the scores level at 2-2 at half-time, Schalke scored three unanswered goals to put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.
It took just 25 seconds for the hosts to go ahead through a wonder-goal from Dejan Stankovic. Manuel Neuer was quick out of his goal to head a clearance to the half-way line, where the Serbian fired a tremendous volley that sailed into the net.
Schalke responded in the 17th minute, however, as Joel Matip pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box and struck to restore parity.
Diego Milito, a surprise inclusion who had a tremendous performance, restored Inter's lead on 34 minutes as he volleyed in from Esteban Cambiasso's header.
However, Schalke managed to end the half on level terms thanks to Edu, who after having his initial effort saved, was first to the rebound to net and bring the scores to 2-2.
Inter started the second half positively and had two chances within the opening exchanges, but Milito fired wide before Samuel Eto'o had an excellent attempt kept out by an even better save.
The hosts would be punished for their wastefulness shortly after as Raul shrugged off the abominable Chivu to net the 3-2 on 53 minutes.
And four minutes later it got worse for the hosts, the increasingly influential Jose Jurado burst forward from the midfield before his low cross was redirected into the net by Andrea Ranocchia to make it 4-2.
Things went from bad to worse for Inter in the 61st minute, when Chivu was sent off for a second yellow card. Jeers from the crowd ensued, and the hosts struggled to make up for their numerical disadvantage as die Knappen pressed forward and nearly got another goal through Jurado, who hit the post.
Just when the hosts appeared to be on their way to pulling a goal back, Jefferson Farfan slipped through the Inter defence and hit the post before Edu completed his brace with a stunning strike from 18 yards.
The final quarter hour was played in near silence as Schalke played conservatively, while a dejected Inter succumbed to a humiliating defeat.
The result leaves Schalke on the verge of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their history. Inter still have a slight chance of progressing, but will likely need a 4-0 win to overcome their deficit.
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