UEFA Europa League: Wolfsburg crush Krasondar 5-1

Nicklas Bendtner scores from the penalty spot

Berlin, Nov 7 VfL Wolfsburg scored five second half goals to crush Krasnodar 5-1 in a UEFA Europa League match at the Volkswagen Arena, here.

Wolfsburg, who staged a dull performance at the first half, scored through braces from substitutes Aaron Hunt and Nicklas Bendter and a solitary goal by Joshua Guilavogui to inflict Krasondar their second loss Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Russian side Krasnodar created the better chances in the first half in an evenly balanced encounter. While Wolfsburg lacked in penetration, Krasnodar were on target twice. However, the hosts were rescued by goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, who made two saves to deny the visitors.

Krasnodar's Odil Ahmedov worked out the first chance of the game when he tested Diego Benaglio with an effort from inside the box in the 24th minute. Benaglio was again in the thick of things when he denied Wanderson from a very close range only three minutes later.

Wolfsburg remained absolutely harmless at the first half but things changed after the restart as Hunt broke the deadlock just two minutes after his fielding, following a header in the 47th minute.

The hosts kept it going and were rewarded at the 57th minute when Hunt sealed his brace with a firm strike inside the box.

Wanderson reduced the deficit to one following a solo run and goal into the bottom right in the 72nd minute. Wolfsburg responded immediately through Guilavogui, who tapped in a low cross by Kevin De Bruyne into the open goal.

The visitors allowed Wolfsburg to add another goal to their lead as Andreas Granqvist brought down Hunt inside the box. Substitute Bendtner stepped up to convert the penalty into the bottom right in the 89th minute and two minutes later, the 26-year-old Danish scored his second goal.

With this win in group H, Wolfsburg are in touching distance of a berth in the round of 32. Everton lead the group with eight points, followed by Wolfsburg with seven, Lille with three and Krasnodar with two points.