1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Schürrle delivers for Wolfsburg

Jonathan HardingNovember 25, 2015

Wolfsburg seal a 2-0 win against CSKA Moscow thanks to a brace from Andre Schürrle. CSKA were perhaps unlucky not to come away with more from the game, but the three points leaves Wolfsburg well-placed.

https://p.dw.com/p/1HCKl
Russland, Champions League CSKA Moscow - VfL Wolfsburg
Image: Reuters/M. Zmeyev

CKSA Moscow 0-2 Wolfsburg
(Schürrle 67', 88')

It took a brace from an unlikely source to leave Wolfsburg needing just a point at home against Manchester United in their final group-stage game in order reach the Champions League knockout rounds. Igor Akinfeev's error allowed Andre Schürrle a first, before a well-taken second late on means Wolfsburg will at least be playing Europa League football come 2016.

For the first 45 minutes, it looked as though the cold had got to a Wolfsburg side that battered Werder Bremen 6-0 on the weekend. Even though Julian Draxler dropped out due to injury, Wolfsburg kept their width early on. The problem was it - and the 60 percent possession they enjoyed - didn't amount to much. When both teams picked up the pace, their attacks improved. Marcel Schäfer's low cross was flicked back by Bas Dost and Max Kruse's rasping drive forced a good save out of Akinfeev. CSKA nearly had Ahmed Musa to thank after a quick burst in attack, but his shot hit the side netting.

With Wolfsburg caught between cold temperature and cold feet, the hosts looked like they would take advantage. Diego Benaglio and some poor decisions from CSKA kept the score goalless though. Just after the hour mark, Andre Schürrle was introduced and seven minutes later, the World Cup winner was on the scoresheet. The winger's shot from a tight angle squeezed under Igor Akinfeev to put Wolfsburg ahead (likely the goal will eventually go down as an own goal).

Moments before, Zoran Tosic curled a beauty onto the post as CSKA desperately sought a goal. The game opened up in the final passage, but it wasn't until two minutes from time that Wolfsburg doubled their lead after substitute Sebastian Jung set up Schürrle for a well-placed finish. After a season of indifference, it was fitting that the 25-year-old was the difference on a night when Wolfsburg badly needed some quality.