Julian Draxler scores first-half winner for Wolfsburg against CSKA Moscow
New signing Julian Draxler scored the winner as Wolfsburg edged past
CSKA Moscow 1-0 in their Group D opener for a winning return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.
Germany international Draxler, brought in from Schalke 04 for £25.5m to replace Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Manchester City, struck on the rebound in the 40th minute.
Wolfsburg dominated throughout, with CSKA defending deep, and the home team could have scored more goals were it not for some sloppy finishing.
Wolfsburg, who had played the Russians exactly six years ago to the day in their only other Champions League group stage participation, had control of the game from the start.
Bas Dost came close with a header and Andre Schürrle tried his luck from close range only for his shot to be saved by Igor Akinfeev as the Wolves pressed for an opening goal.
CSKA, who have played double the number of league matches the Germans have this season already, managed to hang on until the 40th minute when Draxler fed Max Kruse on the wing.
Kruse crossed and Draxler’s header was punched clear by Akinfeev, but only into the attacking midfielder’s path and he easily slotted in the rebound.
Playing in front of a half-full stadium and about 19,000 spectators, Wolfsburg should have scored again but one goal was enough for all three points.
Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up next play Manchester United on September 29, with CSKA taking onPSV Eindhoven in the other group match.
Germany international Draxler, brought in from Schalke 04 for £25.5m to replace Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Manchester City, struck on the rebound in the 40th minute.
Wolfsburg dominated throughout, with CSKA defending deep, and the home team could have scored more goals were it not for some sloppy finishing.
Wolfsburg, who had played the Russians exactly six years ago to the day in their only other Champions League group stage participation, had control of the game from the start.
Bas Dost came close with a header and Andre Schürrle tried his luck from close range only for his shot to be saved by Igor Akinfeev as the Wolves pressed for an opening goal.
CSKA, who have played double the number of league matches the Germans have this season already, managed to hang on until the 40th minute when Draxler fed Max Kruse on the wing.
Kruse crossed and Draxler’s header was punched clear by Akinfeev, but only into the attacking midfielder’s path and he easily slotted in the rebound.
Playing in front of a half-full stadium and about 19,000 spectators, Wolfsburg should have scored again but one goal was enough for all three points.
Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up next play Manchester United on September 29, with CSKA taking onPSV Eindhoven in the other group match.
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