Wolfsburg win at CSKA

Madrid, Nov. 26, (GNA/dpa) - Wolfsburg snatched top spot in Champions League Group B Wednesday with a late 2-0 win at CSKA Moscow, a result which leaves them on the verge of qualification for the second round.

Germany striker Andre Schuerrle was Wolfsburg's hero in chilly Moscow, provoking an own goal then clinching the win with a late strike after coming off the subs' bench with 30 minutes remaining.

Wolfsburg went ahead in the 67th minute when keeper Igor Akinfeev turned a shot from Schuerrle into his own goal.

Germany's World Cup striker then made it 2-0 on the break two minutes from time, turning in a centre from fellow sub Sebastian Jung, with CSKA pouring forward for an equalizer and leaving gaps at the back.

The win left Wolfsburg top with nine points, two ahead of Manchester United and three above PSV, two teams who will clash later Wednesday. CSKA are bottom on four points.

Earlier on, Benfica did well to battle out a 2-2 draw at Astana in Group C, thanks to a brace from Mexican striker Raul Jimenez.

Astana, the first ever team from Kazakhstan to qualify for European football's elite competition, took a surprise 2-0 lead on early goals from Patrick Twumasi and Marin Anicic.

However, Benfica completely dominated from then on and drew level thanks to Jimenez' brace. His equalizer came 17 minutes from time, taking advantage of hesitation in the Astana defence.

The draw left Benfica top with 10 points, three points above an Atletico Madrid side that were due to receive Galatasaray later Wednesday.

"We did well to come back and get a draw," a delighted Jimenez said.

"We really did not deserve to go 2-0 down, but they did make a strong start. ... It was great to get the goals that we needed. It is not easy flying all the way out here and playing in this cold, but we have got a fairly good result."

Atletico will visit Benfica on the final day, December 8, to decide top spot in the group.

GNA