German Bundesliga: Wolfsburg 2 Cologne 1

Wolfsburg reduced Bayern Munich's deficit at the top of the Bundesliga to 11 points while establishing a six-point cushion over Bayer Leverkusen in third thanks to a 2-1 win over Cologne.

The Wolves had to come from behind for victory, Dominic Maroh putting the guests in front after 11 minutes.

Five minutes later, Bas Dost brought Wolfsburg level and, after more than an hour chipping away at their guests, they finally managed to find a winner with central defender Naldo supplying a fine end to 2014 for Dieter Hecking's men.

Their 34 points is the most they have ever accumulated from the first half of a season and it puts them well on course for a place in the Champions League next season.

Wolfsburg were made to work for their win with Anthony Ujah almost putting Cologne in front in the 11th minute, getting a corner out of his one-on-one with Diego Benaglio.

Wolfsburg failed to clear their lines adequately from the resulting corner and the ball fell to Daniel Halfar, who lifted it back into the middle where Maroh took the ball down well before volleying it powerfully past Benaglio.

Their lead lasted only five minutes, though, before Dost headed in Sebastian Jung's cross from point-blank range.

The hosts tried to build on their advantage with Kevin De Bruyne and Dost both going close prior to the interval before Dost again had the chance to score after the break.

The best chance then fell again to the Dutchman, who hit his shot against Timo Horn from just a yard out with the ball curling behind for a corner.

From the corner, Naldo rose the highest to head beyond the reach of Horn for his fifth goal of the season, taking him level with Ivica Olic as the Wolves' top-scorer this season and earning his side three precious points.