Wolfsburg began their Bundesliga title defense in style on Friday evening with a 2-0 home victory over 2006/07 champions Stuttgart.
After a first half that saw both sides squander several chances, Wolfsburg's constant build-up and pressure finally paid off on 71 minutes when influential Bosnian midfielder Zvejzdan Misimovic hit a wonderful left-footed shot that curled past Jens Lehmann.
Eight minutes from time, Brazilian striker Grafite, who led the Bundesliga with a remarkable 28 goals last season, opened his account with a low right-footed shot that Lehmann had no chance to stop.
Stuttgart's woes got worse near the end when defender Christian Träsch went off with a wrist injury, and Wolfsburg completed the victory to get their season off to a fine start.