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Germany’s Wolfsburg scored two second half goals to defeat PSV Eindhoven 2-0 to move top of Champions League Group B on Wednesday. After a laboured first half, Bas Dost struck immediately after the break to put the Germans ahead. Max Kruse then followed it up with a headed goal in the 57th minute. In an indication that it was not going to be PSV’s night, they then had a late penalty saved by Wolfsburg’s Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. The win puts Wolfsburg two points clear of Manchester United at the top after United drew 1-1 with CSKA Moscow. PSV are now bottom, though only three points behind the leaders at the halfway stage. For Wolfsburg, the victory was yet another success after their 3-0 win over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last weekend. Wolfsburg created the first major chances with five minutes gone, Daniel Caligiuri and Julian Draxler forcing two smart saves in quick succession from Jeroen Zoet. PSV slowly settled into the game, but could create nothing before the half hour mark beyond a couple of long range efforts from Andres Guardado and Jorrit Hendrix. With 35 minutes gone, Wolfsburg sprang into life. Luiz Gustavo, Kruse and Dost all had major chances from just inside the box within the space of three minutes, but none were able to trouble Zoet. At the other end, PSV had a penalty appeal turned down after Naldo appeared to handle the ball. The visitors then wasted the best chance of the half, Adam Maher heading wide after Simon Busk Poulsen’s cross found him unmarked in the box. Wolfsburg took the lead immediately after half-time when Joshua Guilavogui’s long range shot was parried by Zoet and Dost tapped in on the rebound. Dost nearly made it two on 50 minutes, heading the ball over the bar after a cross from Christian Trasch. Kruse doubled Wolfsburg’s lead in the 57th minute. After a fantastic run, Draxler forced a good save from Zoet. However, Caligiuri picked up the rebound and crossed for Kruse to head the ball in. Guardado could have pulled one back for PSV on 66 minutes, but his shot flew high over the bar. Wolfsburg continued to dominate, though, and looked perpetually dangerous on the counter attack. Kruse nearly made it 3-0 six minutes from time after Vieirinha broke away to whip in a cross. PSV had a chance to get one back in stoppage time after Benaglio fouled Locadia, but the Swiss keeper saved the resulting penalty. By AFP . |
