Schalke coach Huub Stevens believes that his side's victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Revierderby on Saturday was "well earned".
Goals from Ibrahim Afellay and Marco Hoger saw the Royal Blues win 2-1 at the Signal-Iduna Park in the Bundesliga.
"We were a little surprised that Dortmund played differently from their usual style, but we adjusted well to keep it at 2-1," said Stevens.
"After all, we fought a great battle and brought home a well-earned victory."
Schalke remain seven points behind league leaders Bayern Munich in third place.
