Visiting Wolfsburg eliminates Sporting from Europa League

Wolfsburg players acknowledge supporters after the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 second leg football match Sporting Clube de Portugal vs VfL Wolfsburg at the Jose Alvalade stadium

Sporting Lisbon were held to a 0-0 draw by visitors Wolfsburg at the Jose Alvalade stadium here, losing its chance to reach the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio proved crucial as he denied Sporting a number of chances Thursday, with Nani's volley in the 17th flying wide, reported Xinhua.

Sporting midfielder William Carvalho almost scored in the 38th from 30 yards to the top corner, but Benaglio diverted his effort wide for a corner, and Tobias Figueiredo's header from the left a minute later was cleared by Wolfsburg midfielder Christian Trasch.

Sporting missed a golden chance a minute before half time when Junya Tanaka's powerful shot was blocked by Benaglio. De Bruyne's effort in the 53rd from 20 yards beat Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio but hit the post.

Wolfsburg progressed to the last 16 after having been seen off in Germany last week.