Augsburg draw 1-1 with Köln after a hectic finish

FC Augsburg drew 1-1 on Sunday evening at home to 1. FC Köln. Despite having a number of chances in the first half, the teams went into the break level. After going behind late on, FCA were able to rescue a point in a hectic finish.

Head coach Heiko Herrlich made five changes to the side that lost 2-0 away at Hertha BSC last time out. Fit-again Philipp Max returned, as well as Raphael Framberger, Tin Jedvaj, Marco Richter and Florian Niederlechner, with captain Daniel Baier (tonsillitis), Iago, Sergio Córdova (both muscular issues), Marek Suchý and Stephan Lichtsteiner all making way.

FCA began with the momentum as they looked to press Köln high up the pitch. Early chances came from set pieces, with Ruben Vargas (3’) and Niederlechner (11’) both denied by keeper Timo Horn, while Jedvaj’s header went over the bar (14’). The Billy Goats enjoyed more of the possession, but, aside from Ismail Jakob’s header in the 17th minute, failed to prove dangerous early on. Vargas had another decent effort go just over the crossbar at the other end after 20 minutes.

Referee Benjamin Cortus pointed to the spot moments later. Timo Horn rushed out of goal and brought down Noah Sarenren Bazee, leaving the official with no choice but to award FCA with a penalty. Niederlechner assumed the responsibility, however Horn managed to save his spot-kick (27’). Augsburg continued to enjoy the better of the chances, although Niederlechner again couldn’t beat Horn (34’), and Max hit his free-kick over the crossbar on the stroke of half time (45’), meaning both sides went in goalless.

Modeste puts Köln ahead late on – Max equalises

The second half began at a lower intensity, with Köln more in control than they were earlier on in the game. They had the first notable moment of the second period: Jakobs was denied from a narrow angle by Luthe (61’). The majority of the play came in the midfield, with Augsburg unable to assert their attacking dominance.

Herrlich made two changes for the final phase, bringing on Alfred Finnbogason (for Niederlechner) and Eduard Löwen (for Vargas). With FCA looking to find a goal, Köln found one for themselves with just five minutes to play. Substitute Anthony Modeste hit a sweet left-footed strike to give them the lead. FCA reacted well though and found an equaliser in the 88th minute. Framberger’s cross found Max at the back post, and he volleyed home to level proceedings.

FCA’s next game is away at 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Sunday, 14th June (15:30 CEST).

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