Berlin, Feb 20 (IANS) Bas Dost’s two second-half goals were enough to secure Wolfsburg a 2-0 win on home soil against Sporting Lisbon at the first leg of UEFA Europa League’s round of 32.
After dominant performances in the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg were also able to preserve their momentum for the Europa League, reported Xinhua.
Wolfsburg’s go-to striker Dost was in the thick of things twice to smooth a vital victory at the first leg. Meanwhile Sporting will have to turn around a two-goal deficit next week on home soil.
After an evenly balanced opening period Wolfsburg little by little took over to work out their first chance through German international Andre Schuerrle, who made use of Kevin De Bruyne’s through ball but failed to overcome Sporting’s goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Sporting lurked for counter attacks and they nearly broke the deadlock against the run of the game but Andre Carrillo, who had all time and space inside the box, pulled wide of the target.
Wolfsburg cut a better figure in front of Sporting’s goal at the second half as Dost broke the deadlock with less than a minute after the restart. Naldo utilized a turnover to set up for Dost, whose low shot from 14 meters into the bottom left corner, made it 1-0 scoreboards.
Wolfsburg controlled the proceedings on the pitch but Kevin De Bruyne and Dost squandered promising opportunities to extend the lead.
However, Dutchman Bas Dost wasn’t done with the scoring as he sealed his brace at the 63rd minute. Kevin De Bruyne crossed to the far post where Dost tapped in his second of the evening, and his sixth of the week, to put the game beyond doubt.
Dost had another two opportunities to extend his goal tally but Sporting goalkeeper Rui Particio denied the Dutchman twice in the closing period.