Schalke brought an end to Werder Bremen's five-game winning streak in the Bundesliga, but were denied all three points late on in a 1-1 draw at the Arena AufSchalke.
Max Meyer's goal put Roberto Di Matteo's men in front, but Sebastian Prodl levelled in stoppage time to send the Schalke fans home disappointed for the second time this week.
That goal denied Schalke a place in the top three of the Bundesliga at the end of a week in which their Champions League hopes for 2015 were practically ended by Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Felix Platte's reward for a stirring substitute performance in the Champions League in midweek, in which he hit the crossbar against Real, was rewarded with a place in the starting XI.
With Klaas-Jan Huntelaar suspended, the 19-year-old was handed his starting debut in the Bundesliga with Kevin-Prince Boateng left on the bench.
He did not show any lack of confidence, though, as he tried to lob Raphael Wolf from the corner of the penalty area in the 18th minute. He may not have struck the ball well, but the idea was promising.
So too was Bremen's response with Fin Bartels asking the first question of Timon Wellenreuther before Franco Di Santo had a shot blocked by Joel Matip.
It was Schalke who ended the half stronger, though, with Meyer going close to giving them the lead just before the interval.
Meyer put Schalke in front after an hour, but he had Bremen goalkeeper Wolf to thank as he let his shot from Tranquillo Barnetta's cross slide through his arms.
The game opened up as Bremen fought with pride to salvage their perfect record for 2015, but this also allowed Schalke several openings.
Wolf was making up for his mistake on the goal with several fine saves before Prodl headed Bremen level in stoppage time from Zlatko Junuzovic's cross.
Wolf then ensured he ended the game as Bremen's hero rather than villain, denying Barnetta a winner a minute later.
German Bundesliga Standings
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