Berlin, Sep 19 (IANS): Atsuto Uchida's opener in the second half helped Schalke overpower Steaua Bucuresti 3-0 in group E of the Champions League at Veltins-Arena.
The Royal Blues started the match Wednesday aggressively but were kept at bay by a resilient Steaua, reports Xinhua.
Japan international Atsuto Uchida broke the deadlock for Schalke, when his cross floated untouched into the back of Steaua's goal at the 67th minute.
The opener gave the home side more confidence as Boateng utilised Julian Draxler's assist inside the box to beat Ciprian Tatarusanu with a curl into the far post corner eleven minutes later.
Draxler added the third by chipping onrushing Tatarusanu to make it 3-0 with five minutes remaining.
"We ensured a perfect start into the Champions League. I'm extremely happy about that," Schalke coach Jens Keller said after the game.