Schürrle and Wolfsburg see off Gent challenge
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
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Wolfsburg 1-0 Gent (agg: 4-2)
André Schürrle's second-half goal sent the German side into the quarter-finals for the first time, ending Gent's brave run in their debut season.
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- Wolfsburg hold off Gent to reach first UEFA Champions League quarter-final
- André Schürrle increases Wolfsburg's aggregate lead (74)
- German side 3-2 winners in Belgium three weeks ago to take grip of tie
- Wolfsburg have won all four home games in this season's competition
- Quarter-final draw at 12.00CET on 18 March in Nyon
Wolfsburg made sure of a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time thanks to André Schürrle's second-half goal which ended the challenge of fellow knockout debutants Gent.
With only two sides having ever overturned a home defeat in the UEFA Champions League, Gent had their work cut out but began positively, pushing men forward. Wolfsburg, however, showed the attacking intent that had given them a 3-0 first-leg lead before Gent's late comeback, Josuha Guilavogui's long-range effort beaten away by Matz Sels.
Luiz Gustavo had a shot blocked by the goalkeeper early in the second period with Wolfsburg continuing to look the more likely scorers – although Danijel Milicevic did send Gent's best opening just past the post. Schürrle then had an attempt blocked by Renato Neto as Wolfsburg again failed to convert.
Gent heads refused to drop with substitute Kalifa Coulibaly testing Koen Casteels in the home goal, while that man Schürrle promptly had another strike deflected behind as spaces started to open up.
The Wolves finally capitalised 16 minutes from time, Julian Draxler wriggling away down the right and cutting the ball back for Schürrle to slot in. With Gent now needing to score three times, the home crowd could relax and enjoy the remainder of the contest, with a last-eight tie to look forward to.
Tough opposition
Wolfsburg may not have been at their fluid best in seeing off Gent, yet this victory means Dieter Hecking's men have maintained their 100% home record in this season's UEFA Champions League. Having recently recovered from a dip in domestic form and with confidence renewed, the Bundesliga outfit will represent formidable opponents in the quarter-finals.
In-form Schürrle wins the day
Scorer of a hat-trick against Hannover a week ago, Wolfsburg's Schürrle was full of enthusiasm from the off as he sought to help his team over the line. A tireless display up front alongside Draxler and Max Kruse was rewarded with a match-winning finish late on.
Gent's bright future
When the disappointment of elimination fades, Gent fans will look back on their club's first participation in the tournament with pride. Hein Vanhaezebrouck's side may not have promised much with one point from their first three group games, but three dramatic victories propelled the Buffalos into the round of 16. Applauding each other in mutual appreciation here at the end, Gent's players and fans already appear eager to make a quick return.