Schalke 04 manager Roberto Di Matteo has hailed his side's crucial Champions League win against Maribor as "an important step" in their development.

The Royal Blues needed a 62nd-minute winner from substitute Max Meyer to seal victory in Slovenia and progress to the last 16 as runners-up in Group G.

However, Di Matteo believes that the win over Maribor gave the Bundesliga side more than just three points.

He is quoted by UEFA.com as saying: "We are very happy to be in the round of 16. That is also an important step in the development of the team. We really deserved this victory."

Schalke, who are currently fifth in the Bundesliga, take on FC Koln at the weekend.