Klaas Jan Huntelaar has given Schalke 04 a 1-0 half-time lead over Hertha Berlin in Roberto Di Matteo's first game in charge.
The former Chelsea boss was appointed as successor to Jens Keller over the international break and is on course to guide his new club to three Bundesliga points.
Veteran poacher Huntelaar passed up a couple of decent early chances before showing why he is rumoured to be a January target for both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool by putting the hosts in front after 19 minutes at the Veltins-Arena.
The Dutchman cleverly looped a header from Julian Draxler's cross over Thomas Kraft to halt what had been a positive Hertha start in its tracks, with the visitors having previously threatened through John Heitinga and Per Skjelbred.
Berlin continued to press for a goal after going behind as Roy Beerens dragged a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box, while Skjelbred tested Ralf Fahrmann with a stinging 25-yard drive.
Joe Fish
