Michael Olise produced a moment of brilliance to hand Bayern Munich a hard-fought Bundesliga victory over Wolfsburg and leave the hosts’ relegation fears growing.
Fresh from their Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris St-Germain, Bayern looked below their usual standards for long periods and were fortunate to emerge with all three points.
Wolfsburg, sitting in the relegation play-off spot, created the better chances throughout but were undone by Olise’s superb second-half strike.
The visitors had a golden chance to take the lead in the 35th minute after Olise was brought down in the box by Konstantinos Koulierakis.
Harry Kane stepped up, having scored all nine of his previous Bundesliga penalties this season, but slipped during his run-up and blasted his effort wide.
Wolfsburg continued to threaten before the break, with Christian Eriksen, Denis Vavro and Patrick Wimmer all testing Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.
Despite being second best for much of the match, Bayern found the breakthrough in the 56th minute thanks to Olise.
The French winger cut in from the right and curled a stunning effort beyond Kamil Grabara and into the far corner.
Wolfsburg pushed desperately for an equaliser late on and came agonisingly close when Mattias Svanberg struck the post in the closing minutes.
Defeat leaves Wolfsburg still trapped in the relegation play-off position, level on goal difference with St Pauli and only three points above bottom side Heidenheim.
Their Bundesliga future will now be decided on the final day in a huge showdown against St Pauli, where victory could at least secure a play-off chance to stay in the top flight.
