German Bundesliga report: Wolfsburg slip up at Mainz

Wolfsburg failed to make significant inroads on Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Mainz on Sunday.

Niko Bungert gave the hosts an early lead and they dominated the first half against a Wolfsburg side who were showing the after effects of their Europa League win at Inter Milan on Thursday.

The visitors finally came to life in the second half with Luiz Gustavo bringing them level and, ultimately, earning a point which was arguably the best they could have got out of this game.

Mainz stunned their guests after only seven minutes by taking the lead through Bungert.

After Johannes Geis saw his free-kick deflected behind, he delivered the corner which the Mainz defender beat Timm Klose and Naldo to with a powerful header.

Another set-piece from Geis almost led to a second, but Stefan Bell headed his effort over the crossbar.

Geis had a go at goal himself with his next free-kick, and he almost scored too with Diego Benaglio glad to see the ball strike his crossbar since he had been beaten.

Shinji Okazaki also hit the woodwork before seeing another effort ruled out for offside as Mainz threatened a second.

With an hour on the clock, it was Wolfsburg's turn to hit the woodwork with Gustavo's shot cannoning back off the post.

It was the first real sign of life from Dieter Hecking's men, and it was followed immediately by an equalising goal.

Kevin De Bruyne's corner was met by the unmarked Naldo, whose header set up Gustavo to bring the Wolves back on terms from close range.

The goal gave Wolfsburg some momentum and De Bruyne had a good shot saved by Loris Karius, who raced out of his goal with 10 minutes left to clear the danger ahead of Andre Schurrle after he was put through by De Bruyne.

Mainz responded with a rally in the final few minutes, but they could not find a winner either as the two teams had to settle for a draw.