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Manchester United logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Sep 30, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Wolfsburg

2-1

Mata (34' pen.), Smalling (53')
FT(HT: 1-1)

Manchester United come from behind to topple Wolfsburg

Chris Smalling nets the winner as Manchester United defeat Wolfsburg in the Champions League.

Manchester United have come from behind to defeat Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford and secure the first win of their Champions League campaign.

The Red Devils found themselves trailing with just four minutes played as Max Kruse's through-ball split their defence down the middle, allowing Daniel Caligiuri to nip in and slide the ball beyond David de Gea.

Daniel Caligiuri of VfL Wolfsburg (L) celebrates with Bas Dost as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United FC and VfL Wolfsburg at Old Trafford on September 30, 2015© Getty Images

United responded with a period of intense pressure, during which Juan Mata curled an effort towards the top corner in the 13th minute, kept out only by an inch-perfect header from Dante.

They threatened again moments later as the free-scoring Anthony Martial escaped his marker and went for goal, bending his strike just wide of the target.

Louis van Gaal's side had the chance to edge their noses in front from the penalty spot less than 10 minutes before the break when Mata's cross struck the hand of Caligiuri in the box.

David De Gea of Manchester United celebrates as Juan Mata of Manchester United (not pictured) scores their first and equalising goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United FC and VfL Wolfsburg at Old© Getty Images

The Spaniard stepped up to take the kick himself and drove the ball beyond Diego Benaglio from 12 yards to level things up.

United almost went into the interval with a slender lead as Mata picked out Memphis Depay in front of goal. The Dutchman struck it on the turn, only to be denied by Benaglio's legs.

Van Gaal's men took the lead less than 10 minutes after the restart through an unlikely source, Chris Smalling on hand to scramble Mata's lofted pass beyond the Wolfsburg goalkeeper to put the hosts in front for the first time.

Chris Smalling of Manchester United (R) celebrates with team mate Memphis Depay as he scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United FC and VfL Wolfsburg at Old Trafford on September 30, 2015© Getty Images

The Germans almost hit back within two minutes as Caligiuri worked his way into space in the box and pulled the trigger, forcing De Gea into a save.

Wolfsburg's best chance to net a late equaliser came three minutes from time when they won a free kick in a dangerous position. Ricardo Rodriguez attempted to bend one into the top corner, shooting narrowly over.

It was a late scare, but United held on to move up to second place in Group B, level on points with leaders PSV Eindhoven after two matches.

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Daniel Caligiuri of VfL Wolfsburg (L) celebrates with Bas Dost as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United FC and VfL Wolfsburg at Old Trafford on September 30, 2015
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