VfL Wolfsburg are on course for a place in next year’s Champions League, but there is a chance that they will achieve success on the continental front this campaign. The Wolves, who are currently second in the Bundesliga, face Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday (19:00 CET).
“There’s no rest for the wicked,” said in-form striker Bas Dost, who scored four goals against Leverkusen at the weekend. Despite the number of fixtures, midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is looking forward to the game against the side, who are currently third in the Portuguese top-tier: “I want to win every match.”
Sporting director Klaus Allofs agrees with that assessment: “The Europa League is important in terms of our presence. Participation helps us at home and abroad.”
Schürrle dreaming of Warsaw
World Champion André Schürrle is dreaming of the final, which takes place in Warsaw on 27th May. “Everyone’s goal is to lift the cup,” the attacker told Sport Bild. Schürrle has already come out on top against Sporting this season – he scored in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over the Lisbon side in the group stage of this year’s Champions League.
Despite this, the Germany international is not expecting the tie to be a walk in the pack for his new side. “They are technically good and attack dangerously.”
Nani is Sporting’s star
Nani, on loan from Manchester United, is an exciting winger who has impressed since returning to his homeland. Schalke 04 are aware of just how talented he is: He scored in both games against the Royal Blues in the Champions League.
VfL Wolfsburg are on course for a place in next year’s Champions League, but there is a chance that they will achieve success on the continental front this campaign. The Wolves, who are currently second in the Bundesliga, face Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday (19:00 CET).
“There’s no rest for the wicked,” said in-form striker Bas Dost, who scored four goals against Leverkusen at the weekend. Despite the number of fixtures, midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is looking forward to the game against the side, who are currently third in the Portuguese top-tier: “I want to win every match.”
Sporting director Klaus Allofs agrees with that assessment: “The Europa League is important in terms of our presence. Participation helps us at home and abroad.”
Schürrle dreaming of Warsaw
World Champion André Schürrle is dreaming of the final, which takes place in Warsaw on 27th May. “Everyone’s goal is to lift the cup,” the attacker told Sport Bild. Schürrle has already come out on top against Sporting this season – he scored in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over the Lisbon side in the group stage of this year’s Champions League.
Despite this, the Germany international is not expecting the tie to be a walk in the pack for his new side. “They are technically good and attack dangerously.”
Nani is Sporting’s star
Nani, on loan from Manchester United, is an exciting winger who has impressed since returning to his homeland. Schalke 04 are aware of just how talented he is: He scored in both games against the Royal Blues in the Champions League.
VfL also have their fair share of dangerous attackers, however, they will be without Croatia international Ivan Perisic for the match. Dost is in incredible form at the moment and will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet against Sporting, having impressed against Bayer 04 at the weekend. Despite not being the most elegant of players, he is menacing defenders. “I don’t look like Messi when I run or turn,” said the Dutch striker. “I’m a big guy, so I can’t really help it.”
