Kaiserslautern entered the match without a win in 15 league encounters, while successive wins against Hamburg and FC Twente - the latter in the Europa League - had Schalke in high spirits.

But almost 50,000 fans inside the Fritz-Walter Stadion were delighted when Brazilian Rodnei gave Kaiserslautern an unexpected lead after just three minutes.

It took Schalke until just before half-time to mount a response, with Lewis Holtby levelling proceedings after 39 minutes.

Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then gave Schalke the lead on the stroke of half-time and from then on, they never looked back.

Raul added a third goal for Schalke six minutes into the second half before Peruvian Jefferson Farfan wrapped up the win with his 81st-minute strike.

In the day's other match, Hannover defeated Cologne 4-1.

Lars Stindl put the winners in front after 19 minutes but Kevin Pezzoni's 43rd-minute effort ensured both sides would head into the break on level terms.

Jan Schlaudraff scored a penalty just after the hour-mark though, and Hannover cruised home thanks to Mame Biram Diouf's late double.