Krasnodar FK 2 : 4 Wolfsburg - De Bruyne at the double
Posted Friday, October 24, 2014 by PA
Kevin De Bruyne starred as Wolfsburg claimed their first Europa League Group H victory following a comfortable 4-2 win at Krasnodar.
The Belgium midfielder provided the assist for Ivica Olic to score the opener before notching twice either side of a superb strike from Luiz Gustavo to lift the German side above their Russian opponents in the pool.
Andreas Granqvist, from the penalty spot, and substitute Wanderson grabbed consolations for Aleh Konanaw's men, but they still suffered their first defeat, following draws with Everton and Lille in their opening two matches.
Chances proved few and far between in the opening half until Olic made a breakthrough for the visitors after 38 minutes.
The former CSKA Moscow striker tucked home the rebound after Krasnodar goalkeeper Andrei Dykan had only half saved De Bruyne's low effort.
Dieter Hecking's men then doubled their lead less than a minute into the second half thanks to De Bruyne, who collected the ball on the right channel before cutting inside and firing low into the net with his left foot.
To their credit the hosts bounced back six minutes later, although they were given a helping hand by Wolfsburg defender Naldo, who was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
Granqvist left visiting custodian Diego Benaglio with little chance by expertly placing the ball in the top corner.
Naldo nearly atoned for his error, but his free-kick from just outside the area brought a good save out of Dykan, whose net was then breached for a third time after 64 minutes by a wonderful goal from Gustavo.
The Brazilian midfielder expertly brought the ball down before unleashing a dipping strike that flew over a helpless Dykan.
De Bruyne then added the final touch to a fluid counter-attack for his second of the night after 79 minutes to ensure there would be no way back for Krasnodar, despite Wanderson pulling one back in the closing stages to give a fairer reflection of proceedings.
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