FCA beaten 4-0 in Leipzig

Goals conceded early in both halves, missed penalty

Jess Thorup’s team were beaten 4-0 on matchday 5 away against RasenBallsport Leipzig. Benjamin Sesko scored two early goals (11’, 15’), before FCA missed the chance to get back in the game from the penalty spot. An early goal at the start of the second half then sealed their fate.

There was only one change to the team that lost 3-2 at home to Mainz 05 last Friday: Phillip Tietz replaced the suspended Samuel Essende in attack.

Augsburg struggled early on as Leipzig piled on the pressure, though it took the hosts 11 minutes to create their first chance. However, this opportunity resulted in their opening goal, with Benjamin Sesko’s low drive from outside the box hitting the bottom corner. The striker doubled their lead five minutes later, heading in Raum’s cross at the back post (15’).

FCA grew into the game after the two early blows and were able to keep things tighter at the back, plus they occasionally got forward as well. In the 25th minute, Dimitris Giannoulis was fouled in the box by Lutsharel Geertruida. Captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw stepped up, but Peter Gulacsi guessed right and was able to save his penalty. His opposite number, Nediljko Labrovic, made a fine save one-on-one against Openda just before the break to keep FCA’s hopes alive.

Another quick goal

Leipzig got their third goal of the afternoon less than a minute into the second half. Openda again got in behind, but this time he kept his cool and left Labrovic with no chance (46’). Leipzig continued to attack and increased their lead further in the 58th minute, Xavi the goalscorer. Thorup reacted by handing a Bundesliga debut to centre-back Chrislain Matsim. Steve Mounié also came on in attack and had FCA’s first shot of the second half, striking just over the bar with an hour played. Labrovic denied Leipzig a fifth, before a quiet end to the game meant it finished 4-0 to Leipzig.

FCA host Borussia Mönchengladbach next Friday night at the WWK Arena. Kick-off is at 20:30 CEST.