Schalke 04 survived a second-half fightback to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Wolfsburg in Gelsenkirchen this afternoon.
Wolfsburg were left shocked by Schalke's first start as the hosts went ahead in the 10th minute through Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, whose perfect first touch in the box allowed him to pick out the bottom corner with an emphatic finish.
The attacker helped himself to a second midway through the first half when Kevin-Prince Boateng collected a long ball forward before executing the perfect through-ball to his teammate, and Choupo-Moting accepted the gift by calmly stroking the ball home.
Schalke threatened to wrap the win up before the interval as Christian Fuchs added a third in slightly fortunate fashion when his inviting free kick missed everyone in the box on its way into the bottom corner.
However, Wolfsburg managed to keep their slim hopes alive in the 38th minute when Ivan Perisic's firm cross into the six-yard box was tapped in by Ivica Olic.
The visitors piled the pressure on after the break as they looked to launch a comeback, with Perisic coming agonisingly close to finding the top corner with a powerful free kick.
Wolfsburg would have to wait until the 74th minute for their second goal as Nicklas Bendtner, who had only been sent on moments earlier, set up a dramatic finish when his low strike was deflected past Ralf Fahrmann.
Naldo had a great chance to secure a point for Wolfsburg in the 89th minute, but he could only head against the crossbar as Schalke held on for the win.
Callum Mulvihill
