Kevin de Bruyne scored twice as Wolfsburg stormed to a 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim to hold onto their advantage in the race for Champions League football.
It was the perfect start for Wolfsburg as Andre Schurrle, who was making his debut after arriving from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, curled an inviting cross into the box to allow Bas Dost to convert from close range.
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Schurrle's direct play was a constant threat to the Hoffenheim defence, and the World Cup winner played a key role in his side's second later in the first half.
A clever piece of footwork allowed Schurrle to unleash an effort which crashed against the crossbar, and De Bruyne reacted quickest to slot home.
Wolfsburg's dominance showed no signs of stopping, and Hoffenheim were fortunate not to concede another after surviving an extended spell of pressure before the break.
The game followed a similar pattern early in the second half as the hosts threatened through Daniel Caligiuri, who curled a shot from the edge of the box a few inches wide of the post.
Wolfsburg stopper Diego Benaglio was a spectator for much of the game, but he produced an impressive save to keep out Kevin Volland after the Hoffenheim forward latched onto a loose ball in the box.
Benaglio was called into action once again later in the game to deny Anthony Modeste at the end of a fine solo run from the Frenchman.
However, the result never appeared to be in doubt, and Wolfsburg wrapped up the win late on when De Bruyne fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Callum Mulvihill
