FCA earn deserved point at home against Leipzig

2-2 draw in front of 28,510 spectators

FC Augsburg were able to take a point off fifth-placed RB Leipzig after a spirited performance saw the hosts earn a 2-2 draw against the Bulls.

FCA head coach Jess Thorup sent out the same 11 players that started the narrow 3-2 defeat against FC Bayern München and the 1-1 draw in Bochum last weekend. Niklas Dorsch was able to return to the squad after recovering from a groin issueFCA started well in front of a sold-out crowd of 28,510 at the WWK ARENA, winning several duels. The first chance of the afternoon fell to the visitors, however, as Finn Dahmen was able to tip Dani Olmo’s header wide of the post with an incredible reaction save (18′).

The match was then interrupted for several minutes due to a peaceful fan protest. Despite the unexpected break in play, Augsburg continued to create chances with Ruben Vargas (32′) and Elvis Rexhbecaj (34′) both going close. Thorup’s side were then able to take the lead, as RBL goalkeeper Peter Gulácsi parried a shot that fell right in the path of Phillip Tietz. He was able to bury the ball in the back of the net to put FCA 1-0 up (35′). However, Leipzig were able to draw level just four minutes later, as Loïs Openda put a header past Dahmen.

Demirović scores, Dahmen saves penalty

The second half was similarly high tempo. Benjamin Šeško put the guests ahead with a header to make it 2-1, while at the other end a Fredrik Jensen drive was straight at Gulácsi. After this came a stunning piece of play from FCA captain Ermedin Demirović, who cut inside and fired the ball into the top corner with his right foot – his twelfth goal of the season and a very important equaliser for FCA in this period of the game.

Dahmen was once again in the thick of action in the closing stages. The FCA goalkeeper caught Mohamed Simakan in an aerial duel and after a video referral referee Benjamin Brand pointed to the spot. Dahmen made up for his error, making a strong save from Openda’s penalty diving to his left (81’). Both teams continued looking for the win, but there wasn’t a late equaliser for either side. 2-2 at full time!

This coming week (Saturday, 17th February, 15:30 CET), FC Augsburg are away at 1. FSV Mainz 05 – an important game for Thorup’s side as they look to climb even further away from the bottom of the table.