FCA held to 1-1 draw in Cologne
Tietz back on the scoresheet again
FC Augsburg were held to a point in their fifth away game of the season, after a 1-1 draw at 1. FC Köln. Head coach Jess Thorup’s side were unlucky to hit the woodwork three times.
Following last weekend’s thrilling 3-2 win against VfL Wolfsburg, Thorup made one change to his starting line-up. Felix Uduokhai was serving a one-match suspension following his red card last time out (two yellows), and was replaced in the XI by Maximilian Bauer. Japhet Tanganga returned to the matchday squad for the first time after recovering from a knee injury.
The hosts didn’t need long to test FCA goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, with Luca Waldschmidt’s effort going just wide in the seventh minute). Less than 10 minutes later, Köln were able to take the lead through Linton Maina (16′). However, FCA quickly shook off this setback and nearly drew level just three minutes later through Ermedin Demirović, who was denied by the left post. Phillip Tietz then got on the end of a cross from Fredrik Jensen to equalise for FCA, netting his third goal in Thorup’s third match in charge (25′).
Both sides continued to press in seach of a go-ahead goal, with the hosts creating more, but FCA having the higher quality of chances. Niklas Dorsch nearly put FCA ahead just before the break, but his free kick from 18 metres out crashed off the crossbar (42′).
Dahmen on high alert
Thorup was forced to make a change at half-time, bringing on Kevin Mbabu after Robert Gumny picked up a knock. Dahmen was essential in keeping FCA in the game, denying Mark Uth (48′) and Waldschmidt (53′) in quick succession. Jeffery Gouweleeuw also proved he was on high alert, with a well-timed block in the 69th minute.
Ruben Vargas brought fresh energy off the bench, trying his luck from 20 metres out and being denied by the right post – the third time this afternoon that FCA had hit the woodwork. Later, the Swiss provided an artistic assist for Arne Engels. The 21-year-old, who had netted the match-winning goal against Wolfsburg last weekend, sent his effort just wide of the left post (86′). It would prove to be the final chance for either side in what was an intense affair in Cologne.
With the result, FCA remain in 10th place with 12 points. Next up, they will welcome TSG Hoffenheim to the WWK ARENA on Saturday, 11th November (15:30 CET).
Die Bildergalerie zum 1:1 in Köln!
