VfL WOLFSBURG (Volkswagen Arena)

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP H, VfL WOLFSBURG 0-2 EVERTON,
ATTENDANCE: 23,375

Another November weekend, another European adventure! This time it involved my beloved Blues as I joined the 5,000 or so Everton fans making the trip to Germany.

I had been advised by many a groundhopper that there is not much going on in Wolfsburg as nothing really exists beyond the Volkswagen car factory (incidentally the biggest of it's kind in the world). The city was only founded in 1938 specifically to house workers of the newly built factories. They would build the iconic Beetle car.

I therefore based myself in nearby Hannover. The 'Weihnachtsmarkt' had started the previous Monday so there was a stall outside the main train station doing a roaring trade in Gluhwein, so that set the ball rolling regards pre-match beverages!

I met up with my friends from Hamburg and we took the train to Wolfsburg. We got chatting, and shared a bottle of beer, with a 'Wolfie' fan on the way. My mate reckoned he was part of their Ultras but I found this hard to believe as he was wearing a 'half 'n' half' scarf' in my eyes that only means one thing....

After a few more beers in a Wolfsburg supporters bar, that was rammed with fellow Evertonians, we made the short 15 minute walk to the ground. The Volkswagen Arena was opened in 2002 and has a capacity of 30,000 but that was slightly reduced to 26,000 tonight as the terracing is converted to seating for European games.

I was sat in amongst the home fans, but like Nuremburg in 2007, they were very friendly and there was absolutely no hint of any trouble. The police and stewards kept a watchful eye, but at a distance. Maybe they could have a word with their French counterparts?

The Everton fans inside the stadium made a great noise

Wolfsburg, Bundesliga champions as recently as 2009, were in good form prior to this game and were second in the table to Bayern Munchen. This would be a tough test for Everton.

It was a consummate away from the Toffees as Wolfsburg dominated possession and had more of the chances, albeit mostly long range efforts, but Everton clinically finished them off with two counter attacking goals.

Admittedly Everton rode their luck at times, especially when a linesman incorrectly ruled out an Ivan Perisic header, but the back four held firm.

Romelu Lukaku gave Everton the lead after 43 minutes when he beat the defender and burst through beat Diego Benaglio in the Wolfsburg goal.

At half time the result of the Lille v Krasnador game came through meaning both Everton and Wolfsburg were through regardless, but it would be nice to top the group and the Blues ensured that happened after 73 minutes when Lukaku played through Kevin Mirallas who sealed the victory.

Eto'o! Eto'o!

Post match we returned to the supporters bar where we were pre-match only this time the shots were flowing along with the beer. The landlady was also happy to join us for a few as well!

We caught the last train back to Hannover, where I met a few old mates from Work/School - small world isn't it? - before collapsing into bed in the wee small hours. Another great Everton European away trip.