Zulte Waregem have defeated Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the DW Stadium in the Europa League Group D to enhance their chances of reaching the knockout rounds of the competition.

The Latics surged ahead as early as the seventh minute, when Leon Barnett found the target from 15 yards after picking up a loose ball from a corner.

Wigan's Leon Barnett celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Zulte Waregem during their Europa League group match on November 28, 2013 © Getty Images

Owen Coyle's side almost doubled their advantage on 13 minutes when Callum McManaman's powerful effort was kept out by Zulte goalkeeper Sammy Bossut.

Wigan continued to dominate proceedings but were pegged back on 37 minutes when the visitors restored parity.

Zulte went on a counter-attack and Thorgan Hazard got his shot past Lee Nicholls and into the Lactis' goal.

Zulte Waregem's Thorgan Hazard is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's opening goal against Wigan during their Europa League group match on November 28, 2013 © Getty Images

The hosts took time to get going in the second half and came close to making it 2-1 up in the 79th minute, with James McArthur shooting just wide from a good position.

Then with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Zulte stunned Wigan by taking the lead as Junior Malanda fired home from the edge of the box with his left foot.

That proved to be the winning goal of the encounter as the Belgian outfit moved above Wigan in Group D.