Bundsliga underachievers Wolfsburg and Schalke shared the spoils with a dramatic 2-2 draw at the VW-Arena today.

Grafite put the Wolves in front in the 11th minute and Edin Dzeko doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break. Edu gave the Royal Blues hope five minutes before the interval and Klaas Jan Huntelaar equalised in the 75th minute before the hosts were reduced to ten men after Ashkan Dejagah was sent off.

Grafite yesterday thanked Schalke manager Felix Magath for having launched his career, but said he would still have to score against his new side. The Brazilian soon delivered on his threat to put the home side ahead in the 11th minute, meeting Marcel Schafer's cross from the left wing with a powerful header from point blank range to give the home side a flying start.

Schafer was the provider again in the 33rd minute as Dzeko somehow managed to bundle the ball in from his cross to double the home side's advantage. Schalke managed to grab a lifeline before the break thanks to Edu. Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio could not prevent his shot at the far post from crossing the goal line after Jefferson Farfan's low cross had skimmed across the face of goal.

Huntelaar missed an open goal on the hour as Schalke looked to level, but he netted the equaliser in the 75th minute.Wolfsburg were visibly frustrated and Dejagah took it out on Farfan, earning a harsh straight red card for a tackle from behind.

Huntelaar missed a gilt-edged chance to put the visitors in front in the 83rd minute when he volleyed over from seven yards after Raul headed the ball across to him. The Dutchman almost grabbed the winner with a touch of class three minutes from time, but his delicate chip from outside the penalty area just missed the post by inches. Wolfsburg almost stole all three points in stoppage time when Andrea Barzagli pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box, but his backheel was blocked on the line.