Last year’s German runners-up are celebrating three points in their first appearance in the Champions League in six years thanks to new signing Julian Draxler. The midfielder's goal on 40 minutes helped Wolfsburg to a 1-0 home win over Russian side CSKA Moscow.
In front of 20,176 fans, Draxler started just behind the striker against a physical Russian side. In the 40th minute, Draxler headed a cross from Max Kruse straight at Igor Akinfeev, but was on hand to tap in the rebound. From his reserved celebrations you could clearly see his relief at releasing the pressure he has had on his shoulders in recent weeks.
Schürrle with the first golden opportunity
Wolfsburg struggled to break down the CSKA defence, even though they were in control for more of the game. The first opportunity was a header, as Bas Dost got on the end of a cross from Christian Träsch, with the next good opportunity falling to André Schürrle, who failed to score in a one-on-one with Igor Akinfeev. Caligiuri also had a chance as he was left unmarked in the 37th minute, but the Russian keeper dealt with it well.
Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking selected a much more attacking side than the one that played against Ingolstadt at the weekend. Germany international Max Kruse returned to the starting line-up and played in midfield alongside Draxler. The 27-year-old was really in his element, and was constantly swapping wings in order to surprise the opponents.
Wolfsburg superior in the second half
After the break, Bas Dost made way for Niklas Bendtner. Wolfsburg stayed strong and were by far the better team. Draxler nearly made it 2-0 for the Wolves when his cross struck the post just after half time.
The defence looked solid throughout and weren’t troubled as Dante started alongside Naldo in central defence. Träsch replaced the injured Vieirinha at full back and put in a good performance.
Last year’s German runners-up are celebrating three points in their first appearance in the Champions League in six years thanks to new signing Julian Draxler. The midfielder's goal on 40 minutes helped Wolfsburg to a 1-0 home win over Russian side CSKA Moscow.
In front of 20,176 fans, Draxler started just behind the striker against a physical Russian side. In the 40th minute, Draxler headed a cross from Max Kruse straight at Igor Akinfeev, but was on hand to tap in the rebound. From his reserved celebrations you could clearly see his relief at releasing the pressure he has had on his shoulders in recent weeks.
Schürrle with the first golden opportunity
Wolfsburg struggled to break down the CSKA defence, even though they were in control for more of the game. The first opportunity was a header, as Bas Dost got on the end of a cross from Christian Träsch, with the next good opportunity falling to André Schürrle, who failed to score in a one-on-one with Igor Akinfeev. Caligiuri also had a chance as he was left unmarked in the 37th minute, but the Russian keeper dealt with it well.
Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking selected a much more attacking side than the one that played against Ingolstadt at the weekend. Germany international Max Kruse returned to the starting line-up and played in midfield alongside Draxler. The 27-year-old was really in his element, and was constantly swapping wings in order to surprise the opponents.
Wolfsburg superior in the second half
After the break, Bas Dost made way for Niklas Bendtner. Wolfsburg stayed strong and were by far the better team. Draxler nearly made it 2-0 for the Wolves when his cross struck the post just after half time.
The defence looked solid throughout and weren’t troubled as Dante started alongside Naldo in central defence. Träsch replaced the injured Vieirinha at full back and put in a good performance.
