German Cup champions Nurnberg took a 20th minute lead through Slovak international Robert Vittek, but Schalke fiercely came back with three goals before half-time.

Levan Kobiaschvili, Fabian Ernst and Peter Lovenkrands scored within seven minutes before the break as Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi was the architect in the three goals.

In the second half, Heiko Westermann ensured the victory for Schalke, before Vittek hit a late consolation for Nurnberg with his second of the game.

Schalke will face the winner of the crunch game between Bundesliga champions Stuttgart and the new-look Bayern Munich in the final.