Table-topping Wolfsburg oust United in thriller

Wolfsburg's Naldo celebrates after scoring against Manchester United during their Champions League Group B match at the Volkswagen-Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany, December 8, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

GERMANS AHEAD

Wolfsburg went in front with the game's standout goal after 28 minutes when Portuguese Vieirinha put the finishing touch to an astonishing team move, orchestrated by Julian Draxler.

The Germany winger beat two defenders with a drop of the shoulder and a burst of pace before exchanging a quick one-two with Max Kruse and then unselfishly squaring for Vieirinha to sweep home.

United had a goal ruled out at the end of the first half when Jesse Lingard bent a curling shot into the net past keeper Diego Benaglio around the back of Mata.

The Spaniard, however, was offside and deemed to be interfering with play despite not touching the ball.

After both keepers showcased their abilities early in the second half, the match took two dramatic turns late on.

United levelled when Wolfsburg's Guilavogui deflected a tame header from Marouane Fellaini over Benaglio to put the visitors on track to qualify with PSV then drawing against CSKA.

But Naldo's late header, combined with another goal in Eindhoven, turned the scenario on its head and left United to drop into the second-tier Europa League competition.