Ricardo Rodriguez’ 40-yard free-kick kept the pressure on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, with a 3-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart.
Wolfsburg almost took the lead in the opening five minutes after Robin Knoche cushioned the ball towards Luis Gustavo, who could not get the ball out from under his feet.
Bundesliga’s most prolific striker in 2015, Bas Dost, came close to the opening goal after 15 minutes, meeting the ball from a Ricardo Rodriguez’ cross, forcing a save from Sven Ulreich.
Diego Benglio was forced into his first save midway through the first half to deny Filip Kostic from close range, an opportunity to take the lead.
Rodriguez gave the hosts the lead with a calmly slotted penalty five minutes from the break.
Just four minutes later and Martin Harnik had the ball in the back of the net at the other end of the pitch, after a well worked goal – the Austrian headed past Benaglio.
Switzerland international, Rodriguez then grabbed his second of the afternoon with a free-kick from 40-yards, which would keep Stuttgart at the foot of the Bundesliga.
Andre Schürrle put the game beyond doubt with a well-executed finish after another assist from kevin de Bruyne.
Dieter Hecking made wholesale changes to the team that drew against Mainz. Christian Träsch, Daniel Caligiuri and Vieirinha all came in from Sebastian Jung, Max Arnold and Schürrle. Dost, Knoche and Rodriguez all returned to the starting lineup.
Under-fire Stuttgart manager, Huub Stevens made just one change from their 3-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Timo Werner dropped to the bench in place of Filip Kostić.
The 3-1 victory means that Wolfsburg are now just seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich, whilst Stuttgart remain at the foot of the Bundesliga, with a must win match against Werder Bremen next weekend.