FCA celebrate sensational 3-2 comeback win against VfL Wolfsburg
Engels heads home the match-winning goal
FC Augsburg have done it again! Head coach Jess Thorup’s side came out on top in a crazy game against VfL Wolfsburg, coming from behind to win 3-2.
Following last weekend’s 5-2 triumph at 1. FC Heidenheim, Thorup named an unchanged starting XI for his home debut. Ruben Vargas returned to the squad after recovering from an adductor injury.
Germany national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann was one of 28,000 spectators at the WWK Arena, as FCA looked to put their opponents under pressure right from the start. The first chance of the night fell to Fredrik Jensen, who was denied by an excellent foot save from Pavao Pervan (14′). Just three minutes later, the home fans had reason to celebrate for the first time that afternoon. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw drove down the right wing and found Phillip Tietz in the middle, who slotted home his second goal of the season.
Thorup’s side were aggressive when it came to winning tackles, but the Wolves were able to find their way back into the game from the 30th minute on. Jonas Wind levelled for the visitor in the 35th minute, with a shot from just inside the box. Patrick Wimmer then sent an effort crashing off the crossbar (43′). Referee Daniel Schlager found himself in the midst of a heated discussion after pointing to the spot following a challenge from Niklas Dorsch and Mattias Svanberg, with the Swede going to grounf. Lovro Majer converted the controversial spot-kick to put the Wolves 2-1 up at the half-way point.
Dramatic end to the match
With a sold-out home crowd cheering them on, FCA came out of the dressing room looking to turn the game back in their favour. Sven Michel only narrowly missed hitting the target (57′) before Thorup brought on fresh legs in the form of Iago, Vargas and Arne Engels (63′). The hosts were unlucky to have a goal disallowed in the 71st minute after Tietz was judge to be in an offside position. Eight minutes later, they would draw level after an own goal from Sebastiaan Bornauw.
The stage was set for a dramatic finish in Augsburg, as super subs Iago and Engels combined to head FCA into the lead (81′). The home fans were on the edge of their seats, as Felix Uduokhai was sent off for a second yellow in his 100th competitive match for FCA in the 87th minute. However, the team fought hard to hold onto their lead, breaking into wild celebrations as the full-time whistle blew after nearly six minutes of injury time.
FCA remain in 10th place after what was their second home win of the season, with Wolfsburg just one point ahead of them. Next up, FCA will travel to face 1. FC Köln on Saturday, 4th November (15:30 CET).
