Wolves Out In Semi-Finals

Wolves were knocked out at the semi-final stage at the pre-season H-Hotels Cup in Bochum, Germany.

The unique friendly tournament saw Nuno Espirito Santo’s men take part in two 45-minute games against Vfl Bochum 1848 and Real Betis Balompié.

The semi-final was contested against tournament hosts, Bochum, with the fixture going straight to penalties following a 0-0 draw in regular time.

Wolves started the brighter side with Ruben Neves finding space to manoeuvre early in the game. He was the first to get a shot on goal but his curling effort was saved by Felix Dornebusch.

After a quiet opening 20 minutes in his first Wolves appearance, Rui Patricio was called into action following a low effort from the edge of the box but the new signing was equal to it and saved comfortably.

Ryan Bennett was next to have a sight of goal, he was picked out from a corner but the defender saw his headed effort across goal miss wide of the target.

Another Wolves debutant, Raul Jimenez, went closest to breaking the deadlock, he cut inside from the left flank and unleashed a curling strike towards the top corner but the goalkeeper just did enough to tip his effort over the bar.

The visitors continued to press but just couldn’t find a way through, with Jimenez and Bright Enobakhare both seeing low crosses cut out at the last minute, and the game went to penalties.

Neves, Diogo Jota, Pedro Concalves and Enobakhare all converted from the spot and Patricio pulled off two stunning saves but it was not enough for Wolves as Jimenez, Conor Coady and Ryan Giles’ penalties were stopped meaning Bochum were victorious in the shoot-out.

As a result, Nuno’s men would go on to face Real Betis Balompié in a consolation fixture. Another closely-fought encounter that finished in a goalless draw.

It was 15 minutes before either side had a meaningful effort on goal. Benny Ashley-Seal whipped a fierce effort goalwards from the edge of the box but the ‘keeper just did enough to tip the shot over the crossbar.

Betis were the next to enjoy an opportunity as Sergio Leon found space on the right flank before seeing his quick-fire effort well saved by John Ruddy at his near post.

A matter of minutes later and the ball was down the other end, with Helder Costa trying his luck from range, however the forward didn’t catch his effort well and it was smothered by the goalkeeper.

In the busiest spell of the game, Leon was presented with another half-chance as the ball broke for him from a corner, but his first-time volley missed over the crossbar.

Costa continued to cause Betis problems and was presented with a one-on-one opportunity but he delayed his shot and allowed a defender just enough time to get back and block behind for a corner.

As the friendly neared its conclusion, Cavaleiro was found by Costa 25-yards from the Betis goal, the forward shot first time but couldn’t keep his effort down and missed just over.

Wolves line-up vs VfL Bochum 1848
Patricio; Buur, Bennett, Coady, Hause, Giles; Neves, Goncalves; Enobakhare, Jimenez, Jota.

Wolves line-up vs Real Betis Balompié
Ruddy; Doherty, Saiss, Batth (c), Boly, John; Gibbs-White, Watt; Costa, Ashley-Seal, Cavaleiro.