Grafite communes with Wolfsburg spirit

VfL Wolfsburg's hat-trick scorer Grafite told uefa.com the tremendous team spirit that lifted the club to a first ever German title last season had re-emerged during Tuesday's 3-1 defeat of PFC CSKA Moskva.

Memories
The German champions have made a faltering start to their title defence, and came into their maiden UEFA Champions League match with the fragile confidence of a team that had lost its last three domestic encounters. However, Grafite struck twice in five first-half minutes to dispel his side's fears before adding a late third to leave Armin Veh's men looking down from the summit of Group B after a performance that stirred memories of their glorious 2008/09 Bundesliga campaign.

'Give more'
"We felt that we had to give more than we had done in recent matches," said the former Le Mans UC 72 forward, who dedicated his third goal to his wife as they marked their tenth wedding anniversary. "We knew that the Champions League is on another level, it's the top level of the European game. I think that this evening we showed the same spirit as last season and that helped us win a difficult game. I'm really happy to have scored three goals that have helped the team win a very tough match. It was difficult for us as it was our first match in the Champions League, but I think that we played well against a good team. Now we have to focus on the Bundesliga."

Fruitful
The 30-year-old has blossomed in Germany since crossing the border from France in 2007. Last season's tally of 28 goals saw Grafite crowned the Bundesliga's top scorer, and his treble against CSKA brings his tally for the current campaign to six in all competitions. "I think the game in Germany suits me more as there is more space here. French football is very tight and there aren't many chances," explained Grafite, whose partnership with Edin Džeko reaped the pair a German top-flight record 54 goals last season. "With Džeko, it's not magic; it's the hard work that both of us put in every week. We work together and grow together. For me, he's one of the great prospects in European football. I think it's great that he stayed with us this year, as this season is going to be difficult having won the title last season. I hope that we can do many things together this year to help the team."

'First objective'
That assistance will likely be much in need come Matchday 2 when Old Trafford and Manchester United FC await Veh's men. Wolfsburg currently hold the edge over last season's runners-up at the top of the group on goal difference, but Grafite acknowledged the team simply want their European adventure to last as long as possible. "I don't know if we'll finish first or second, but the objective is to finish at least second to go through to the next phase," said the Brazilian. "That's our first goal this season in the Champions League. We know that the group is difficult, but we have to hope we can go through."