Kaiserslautern brought Schalke back to earth with a bump with a ruthless destruction of the European high-fliers.

Back in Bundesliga action after reaching the Champions League knockout stages in midweek, Felix Magath's side were hapless this afternoon as Kaiserslautern seized their opportunity to catch the visitors cold.

Srdjan Lakic scored twice while goals from Martin Amedick, Ivo Ilicevic and Jan Moravek completed a thrilling win for the home side.

Kaiserslautern got off to a strong start and were ahead after eight minutes. Christian Tiffert's corner fell to Lakic in the middle of the box and the striker was able to head expertly into the top-right corner to give his side the lead.

It could have been 2-0 had Matias Abel, unmarked from close range at a corner, not somehow sent his effort wide.

A quiet period followed before FCK extended their lead six minutes from the break.

Again the goal came from Tiffert's corner. His ball into the box fell to Amedick, who held off the challenge of two defenders to head home and double the advantage.

Schalke's response was tepid at best and the second half only saw their woes compounded with a third for the hosts.

Tiffert, this time from open play, found Lakic with a smart through ball. Lakic took it on, into the area, before leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with no chance as he fired a low shot home.

Schalke were all over the place and in the 75th minute Christoph Metzelder conceded a penalty by bringing Lakic down in the box. Ilicevic stepped up to take the kick and sent Neuer the wrong way.

Two minutes from time the rout was complete.

Pierre De Wit fed Florian Dick out on the right who crossed early for Moravek to head home and make it 5-0, rounding off a superb afternoon's work.