FC Augsburg are now unbeaten in nine Bundesliga home games against SC Freiburg. The sides played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon, with FCA scoring a late equaliser. 

Head coach Heiko Herrlich made one change to the squad that drew 1-1 against Borussia Mönchengladbach last time out. André Hahn replaced the injured Alfred Finnbogason (ankle), and made his 100th Bundesliga appearance for FCA, together with Rani Khedira. 

Despite coming into the match on the back of a three-game losing streak, Freiburg didn’t shy away from pressuring FCA right from the start. Iago made a last-ditch save against Lucas Höler early on (4’), before Rafał Gikiewicz easily dealt with an attempt from Ermedin Demirovic (9’). Augsburg struggled to break free of the Freiburg press, while their opponents registered several chances. Vincenzo Grifo found himself well-positioned in front of goal, but failed to properly connect (22’).

As the minutes ticked by in what was an evenly-matched first half, much of the action took place in midfield. Towards the end of the first half, FCA were able to create chances up front but failed to hit the target. Hahn’s shot sailed wide (34’), before he then sent a header over the crossbar (37’).

Grifo scores the opener – Vargas equalises

The match continued in much the same fashion after the break. Both teams upped the tempo, but continued to suffer from small errors in attack. Former Augsburger Jonathan Schmid’s shot was easily dealt with by Gikiewicz (57’), but the ‘keeper was helpless to stop Freiburg minutes later. Nicolas Höfler played in a cross that found its way through to Vincenzo Grifo, who was able to nutmeg Gikiewicz at the back post to open the scoring (64’). 

FCA found themselves on the back foot, but upped the pressure once again. Michael Gregoritsch hit a volley off a corner from Daniel Caligiuri, but Felix Uduokhai’s head inadvertently redirected the Austrian’s attempt over the bar (75’). Minutes later, FCA got the goal they’d been looking for. Marco Richter’s cross found Ruben Vargas, who cut inside before unleashing a shot. It took a deflection off Schmid before sailing in to bring the score level (80’). Chances from Richter (83’), Schmid (85’) and Grifo would sail wide of goal in the closing minutes, as both teams had to settle for a point. 

FCA are now unbeaten in nine Bundesliga games against Freiburg (W3, D6). Next up, Augsburg will face TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Monday (7th December, 20:30 CET). 

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