Nicklas Bendtner

Controversial goal helps Wolfsburg over Leverkusen

Published Oct. 31, 2015 4:21 p.m. ET

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Wolfsburg moved up to third in the Bundesliga on Saturday evening thanks to a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Nicklas Bendtner gave the Wolves the lead with a controversial goal 10 minutes before half-time, but Leverkusen leveled through Javier Hernandez, then Julian Draxler scored a 77th-minute winner.

Leverkusen, who have scored 14 goals in their last three games, showed a willingness to add to that record despite being the away team.

Hernandez had one weak shot on goal before the offside flag denied the Mexican, before Ricardo Rodriguez found the side-netting.

However, Wolfsburg hit back to take the lead in questionable circumstances. Vieirinha was in an offside position when he received the ball from Andre Schurrle and his cross was turned in by Bendtner with the offside flag initially being raised - but ultimately overlooked by the referee.

Leverkusen equalized when Hernandez headed in Christoph Kramer's cross five minutes before the interval.

The hosts could also have moved ahead before half-time with Admir Mehmedi denied by Diego Benaglio.

Wolfsburg were furious with the referee five minutes into the second half when Daniel Caligiuri nudged the ball past Bernd Leno and went down under the Leverkusen goalkeeper's challenge, but a penalty was not awarded.

Schurrle shot over before Draxler won it for the hosts. Rodriguez's shot was parried by Leno and Bas Dost picked up the loose ball and teed up Draxler to score from close range.

Wendell hit the post as Leverkusen sought an equalizer - but Wolfsburg held on for a win which took them up to third.

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