FCA fall 3-2 in close game against FC Bayern München

Demirović with a brace

FC Augsburg fell just short in a 3-2 home loss against FC Bayern München on matchday 19 in the Bundesliga.

Head coach Jess Thorup made just one change to his team following last weekend’s 2-1 away win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. New signing Kristijan Jakic started in defensive midfield and made his first start for the Függestädter.

After winning both their last two Bundesliga home games against the record champions, Augsburg looked as though they would be able to do the same today. A shot from Ermedin Demirović hit Matthijs de Ligt on the arm, with referee Christian Dingert initially pointing to the spot. The handball had occurred just outside of the box, however, and VAR corrected the decision to a free kick, but FCA weren’t able to capitalise (6′). Six minutes later, the hosts thought they had taken the lead after Elvis Rexhbecaj smashed home a shot after Demirović had flicked on a cross, but it was then ruled out due to offside (12′).

The record champions then went on to take the lead from a set piece. Leon Goretzka redirected a corner so that it fell to the feet of youngster Aleksander Pavlović, who only had to tap in the opener (23′). Up until that point, the hosts had been the ones to carve out the majority of chances. The match was sold out, with a total of 30,660 spectators in attendance. FCA then conceded once more just before the break, as Alphonso Davies thumped home a shot from outside the box (45’+5).

FCA awarded two penalties after the break

FCA only needed seven minutes to get a goal back after the change of ends, with Demirović heading home after a perfect cross from Kevin Mbabu (52′). It was the captain’s ninth goal of the season. The fans were fully behind their team, as Fredrik Jensen only narrowly missed the target (58′). Bayern were then able to make it 3-1, with VAR involved once again. Harry Kane had put the ball in the back of the net before the linesman’s flag went up – a closer look then revealed that the final pass had come from an Augsburg player (58′).

The closing stages of the game featured plenty of action at both ends. Mathys Tel hit the post before Manuel Neuer fouled Felix Uduokhai after coming out for a corner, leading to the referee awarding FCA a penalty. Sven Michel stepped up to take it, but saw his effort saved by Neuer (87′). The hosts were then awarded another spot-kick in injury time, after Thomas Müller brought down Demirović. The captain stepped up to take the penalty himself, converting confidently to make it 3-2. FCA fought bravely in the final minutes, but were unable to complete their comeback, falling to a 3-2 defeat instead.

Next weekend, FCA will be in action away at VfL Bochum on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET).