Wolfsburg proves De Bruyne, Perisic dependency false in win over Schalke

It was a comfortable Friday night match for Wolfsburg as the Champions League-contesting German outfit defeated visitors Schalke 3-0 at the Volkswagen Arena.

Wolfsburg didn't need star midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Ivan Perisic to pick up all three points. The two watched from the stands, not named to the game-day roster, as the home side dominated the first half without the duo, passing the ball and maintaining possession with comfort and ease.

The two have been linked with moves away but those storylines weren't much of a distraction for Wolfsburg, who got a foothold on the match courtesy of Bas Dost.

The 26-year-old Dutch forward got into position as right full-back Christian Trasch delivered a cross into the box from the wing. Dost swung at the shot, unmarked, and smacked the ball with a powerful, acrobatic kick. His effort beat Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann, giving Wolfsburg a 1-0 lead, which they held through half-time.

In the second half, Schalke came alive, flipping the script of the match and controlling the flow and rhythm in midfield. But that wouldn't matter, as, right before the hour mark, Wolfsburg were awarded a penalty as Sead Kolasinac tackled Luiz Gustavo late. Ricardo Rodriguez buried the spot kick, putting Wolfsburg up by two.

Two minutes later, Wolfsburg scored again off a corner kick with Rodriguez playing provider and picking out Timm Klose in the box. Klose, like Dost before him, volleyed the effort near-post to give Wolfsburg a three-goal cushion.

Schalke continued to press and look for any goal it could find but Wolfsburg held firm, picking up all three points in a big 3-0 win at home.

(Videos courtesy of FOX Soccer)