Schalke continued their recent revival with a 1-0 win at Wolfsburg taking them five points clear of their hosts into 11th in the Bundesliga standings.

Schalke were appealing for a penalty on the hour mark when Benedikt Howedes was obstructed by Luiz Gustavo as he prepared to shoot from close range, but the referee waved away the Royal Blues' protests.

Ten minutes later, Howedes was inches away from diverting Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's header past Diego Benaglio, who then denied Alessandro Schopf in a one-on-one situation.

The Royal Blues' pressure finally paid off with nine minutes to go when Leon Goretzka hammered Sead Kolasinac's cross into the ground and the ball looped into the top left-hand corner of Benaglio's goal.

It was enough to earn Schalke all three points and spoil Valerien Ismael's debut as Wolfsburg coach after he was appointed on a full-time basis during the winter break.