Wolfsburg are closer to securing second place in the Bundesliga after a hard-fought victory over Hamburger SV.

The visitors took a tenth-minute lead when Josua Guilavogui latched on to Bas Dost's pass before finding the back of Rene Adler's net.

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Wolfsburg could have been further in front when Vieirinha's strike from distance needed to be stopped by the Hamburg number one.

Late in the first half, the Portuguese right-back again went close to scoring after being played in by Kevin de Bruyne, but Adler was on hand to keep out his effort.

De Bruyne almost added a second with 20 minutes remaining after his effort was saved.

However, Wolfsburg sealed victory soon after as Dost's cross found Daniel Caligiuri, who slotted past a helpless Adler.

Hamburg's evening was made worse when Johan Djourou was sent off for a second bookable offence in the dying moments.

The result leaves Wolfsburg 10 points behind Bayern Munich, but sees them open up a seven-point advantage on Borussia Monchengladbach in third.