Berlin, May 11 (IANS): VFL Wolfsburg cruised past struggling Paderborn 3-1 while FC Cologne shocked Schalke 2-0 to close the 32nd round of the German Bundesliga.

Bas Dost's brace against newly promoted Paderborn helped the "Wolves" to seal their automatic qualification for the Champions League's group stage on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Courageous Paderborn got a bright start in the game as Lukas Rupp almost broke the deadlock with just 11 minutes into the game. However, the midfielder pulled wide from promising position inside the box.

Paderborn's goal scoring opportunity seemed to be a awakening call for the "Wolves" as Timm Klose clinically headed home Ricardo Rodriguez' cross at the near post to break the deadlock four minutes later. It was the Switzerland international's first goal for Wolfsburg.

The visitors gained momentum and doubled the lead only 10 minutes later as Bas Dost extended his tally to 15 goals when he tapped in Ivan Perisic's lob to the far post. Paderborn were unable to recover from the double strike. Dost wrapped up his brace in the closing period to secure his team's 19th win at the 32nd game of the season.

Paderborn were only able to score their consolation through Lukas Rupp in the dying minutes. With two games remaining in the season, Wolfsburg recaptured the second place in the standings with a two-point advantage over third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach. Paderborn slipped onto the second last position.

Elsewhere, newly promoted Cologne ensured their top-flight status for next season as they upset FC Schalke 2-0.

Cologne opened the scoring through Marcel Risse, who slotted home a rebound from 11 meters at the 34th minute. Schalke failed to create threatening opportunities against Cologne's well-positioned defence.

As a consequence, Cologne put the game beyond doubt in the closing period when substitute Yannick Gerhardt made it 2-0.

Schalke recorded their 11th loss of the season to slip to the sixth place. Cologne jumped to the 10th place.