FCA earn 1-1 draw in Bochum with late equaliser

Demirović scores from the spot

FC Augsburg secured a 1-1 draw away at VfL Bochum on matchday 20 in the Bundesliga, thanks to a late penalty from captain Ermedin Demirović.

Head coach Jess Thorup sent out an unchanged side from last weekend’s 3-2 defeat against FC Bayern München. New signing Pep Biel was included in the matchday squad for the first time, in place of the injured Dion Beljo.

The hosts started well at home on a cold and rainy afternoon in Bochum, as Patrick Osterhage missed the target from 16 meters out inside the opening quarter of an hour (11′). FCA found their way into the game as time went on, but were then unlucky to concede first. Moritz Broschinski scored an acrobatic bicycle kick following a corner to give VfL the lead (29′).

Pep Biel makes his debut

FCA started the second half brightly, with Phillip Tietz’s shot blocked at the last moment after a good move down the right (52’). Tietz was then replaced eight minutes later by debutant Pep Biel. Finn Dahmen was fortunate in the 74th minute after his attempted clearance went unpunished. Two minutes later, the Augsburg goalkeeper did well to save from Matus Bero. At the other end, Arne Maier hit the post from distance (86’).

Thorup’s men simply never give up and showed this once again in injury time. Maier’s shot from a corner hit Ivan Ordets’ hand and referee Patrick Ittrich awarded a penalty after consulting VAR. Captain Ermedin Demirović stepped up and confidently slotted home for his 11th goal of the season, thus sealing a point in a hard-fought game.

The draw has moved FCA up to 12th place. Their next game is at home to RB Leipzig at the WWK Arena.