Wolfsburg beat Holstein Kiel to stave off Bundesliga relegation

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Getty Images

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Robin Knoche's goal 15 minutes from time helped ensure Wolfsburg kept their place in next season's Bundesliga after beating Holstein Kiel 4-1 on aggregate.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Bruno Labbadia's side knew a disciplined performance would see them safe and deny Holstein Kiel promotion.

The home side created numerous half-chances, but Wolfsburg's goalkeeper Koen Casteels was never troubled.

Yunus Malli thought he had extended Wolsburg's aggregate lead to 4-1 when his first-half shot found the back of the net but -- after the video assistant referee was called on -- the goal was disallowed because Divock Origi was standing in front of the goalkeeper in an offside position.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute, just after Maximilian Arnold's shot was well saved.

Arnold's corner from the left found the unmarked Knoche to give Wolfsburg the all-important first goal in the second leg with a powerful header.

Rafael Czichos was denied an equaliser five minutes from time when VAR was called for again to confirm the defender used his arm to score.