Mandzukic helps Wolfsburg win at home

Published Oct. 15, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Mario Mandzukic scored twice to earn struggling Wolfsburg to a precious victory at home to Nurnberg in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.

The Croatian gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute only for Christian Eigler to equalise after 70 minutes.

But Mandzukic netted his second from the penalty spot to settle the match seven minutes from time.

The Wolves dominated the early stages and Srdjan Lakic and Yohandry Orozco both had chances before the former brought a fine save from Nurnberg goalkeeper Alexander Stephan in the 23rd minute.

And the hosts took the lead a minute later, Ashkan Dejagah racing down the right and crossing for Mandzukic to head home from five yards.

Nurnberg looked for a quick response and Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio produced a fine save to keep out Tomas Pekhart's header, while Alexander Esswein's effort came back off the far post.

Wolfsburg might have doubled their lead after 56 minutes, but Stephan came off his line and pushed away Thomas Hitzlsperger's shot.

Instead, Nurnberg equalised as Timmy Simons sent a fine through-ball to Eigler, who coolly slid his shot past Benaglio.

Esswein twice had the chance to put the away side in front, but could not find a way past Benaglio.

And those missed opportunities proved costly as Wolfsburg were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when Mike Frantz fouled Dejagah.

Mandzukic made no mistake from the spot, firing his effort low into the left corner to see of Nurnberg's challenge.