Wolfsburg 2 - 0 Sporting Lisbon - Dost two good for Sporting

Posted Friday, February 20, 2015 by PA

Wolfsburg will take a 2-0 lead to Lisbon next week after the Bundesliga high-flyers claimed a comfortable victory over Sporting in the first-leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.

Bas Dost scored twice in the second-half for the Wolves who were never seriously threatened by a Sporting side who failed net a vital away-goal.

While Dost may claim the headlines, Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the show for Dieter Hecking's men, setting up the Dutchman's second and proving a constant menace to the Sporting defence.

The Portuguese side made the livelier start but it was Wolfsburg who had the first effort of note with Andre Schurrle bringing a save out of Rui Patricio from 12 yards.

Christian Trasch managed to get a head onto the resulting corner but Patricio was once again equal to the effort.

The Germans were beginning to turn the screw and Robin Knoche was next to call the goalkeeper into action with a header before De Bruyne's speculative effort was gathered by the 27-year-old.

The home side were looking the more likely to score but they were nearly caught on the break from a corner just after the half-hour as a good long-ball found Andre Carrillo who barged his way into the box but fired just wide.

Adelino Vieirinha then connected with Ricardo Rodriguez's cross but could only volley wide as the interval approached.

It took just a minute for Dost to hand the Wolves the lead but much of the credit for the goal must go to Naldo.

The Brazilian gathered a stray pass on halfway and surged forward, bamboozling Adrien Silva twice before sliding the ball through to Dost who calmly slotted underneath Patricio.

Wolfsburg were into their stride now and De Bruyne brought a smart stop from Patricio with the keeper using his feet but Dost had his second in the 63rd minute.

And De Bruyne was involved again, providing a brilliant inviting cross across the six-yard box with Dost sliding in at the far post to convert.

The hosts were cruising now but nearly got caught out as Joao Mario got his head to a cross but could only flash wide.

Schurrle had the chance to settle the game and the tie in the 78th minute as more good work from De Bruyne saw the ball come to the former Chelsea man but Patricio made a stunning save low to his right.