3-1 win over St. Pauli – FCA secure first victory of the season

Wolf’s first goal and two substitutes seal all three points

FC Augsburg recorded their first win of the new Bundesliga season on Sunday afternoon, defeating FC St. Pauli 3-1 at the WWK ARENA. FCA’s goals were scored by Marius Wolf, Phillip Tietz and Yusuf Kabadayi.

Head coach Jess Thorup, who signed a contract extension at the club a few days ago, made five changes to the team that lost in Heidenheim last time out in the league. Ruben Vargas, debutant Frank Onyeka, Marius Wolf, Kristijan Jakic and Maximilian Bauer all came into the starting XI.

The supporters at a sold-out WWK ARENA, who said goodbye to Ermedin Demirovic and Niklas Dorsch before the game, saw FCA’s first shot come after just two minutes. Elvis Rexhbecaj, however, could only scuff his attempt on goal. The hosts were the brighter of the two sides in the opening exchanges: Wolf’s cross in the 11th minute was only cleared to debutant Onyeka, who fired the ball past the post.

FCA threatened again around 10 minutes later. Keven Schlotterbeck’s header was cleared and then the Pauli defenders dealt with Marius Wolf’s back-heel as well. A free-kick just moments later then saw Wolf flick a header across the goalmouth (22’). Despite a good period of Augsburg pressure, the two teams went into the break goalless. Rexhbecaj hit the side-netting (43’) and Essende saw his effort saved from close range by goalkeeper Vasilj (45’). The visitors from Hamburg failed to put together an attack of note in the first 45 minutes.

Wolf puts FCA ahead

Augsburg got their reward for a dominant first half at the start of the second period. Right-back Wolf shifted the ball onto his left foot in the box and then curled it into the far corner for 1-0 (47’) – his first goal for the club. Thorup replaced the goalscorer 15 minutes later, introducing Mads Pedersen to the game. He also brought Phillip Tietz on for Ruben Vargas, with the striker showing his qualities off the bench, doubling FCA’s lead from Essende’s cross five minutes after coming on (67’).

FCA continued to push forward and came close to a third goal on several occasions. Onyeka almost squared it across goal for Essende (69’), then Vasilj pushed Rexhbecaj’s attempt to safety (70’). FC St. Pauli got themselves back in the game with 15 minutes left on the clock. Boukhalfa headed home a nice delivery by Saad. Another debutant came on for FCA in the form of Henri Koudossou, with Thorup aiming to sure up the defence (83’). Fellow substitute Yusuf Kabadayi eventually sealed the win in injury time from a counter-attack with his first goal in the Bundesliga.

Die Bildergalerie zum Spiel!

FCA’s next game is also at home. 1. FSV Mainz 05 visit the WWK ARENA on Friday night at 20:30 CEST.