Wolfsburg 2-1 Inter Milan (5-2 agg): Nicklas Bendtner's late strike confirms German team's dominance over two legs

Wolfsburg players celebrate their team’s second goal

Wolfsburg proceeded to the quarterfinals of the Europa League with a well deserved 2-1 win against Inter Milan at the San Siro in Milan. As a result of the victory, Dieter Hecking’s men, who sit second in the Bundesliga table, qualified for the last eight of Europa league for the first time since 2009.

Wolfsburg, who had triumphed 3-1 in the first leg, took the lead initially through a 24th minute Daniel Caligiuri strike. Inter immediately went in search for an equalizer, but were frustrated time and again by Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, who made a string of fine saves and was in top form throughout the match.

Inter had numerous opportunities to pull level, and eventually took one, as Rodrigo Palacio scored a goal in the 71st minute. However, Nicklas Bendtner, overshadowed for much of the season by their in-form striker Bas Dost, came on as a substitute in place of Dost in the 64th minute, and had the final say.

He received a well-placed pass from his fellow substitute Maximilian Arnold, before driving a strong strike through the arms of Inter keeper Carrizo in the 89th minute to calm Wolfsburg’s nerves, and condemned the Italian side to yet another defeat.

The result meant Wolfsburg go marching on, and their second place in Bundesliga means they are on the track to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League as well.Inter, meanwhile have a tough battle on their hands to be involved in any form of European competition next season, as they languish in eighth position in the Serie A.