December: Dramatic cup win in Karlsruhe
2024 Year in Review, part 12
First Team
05.01.2025, 09:07
Another year is coming to an end: 12 eventful months of both highs and lows, along with plenty of memorable moments for FC Augsburg. It's time to once more reflect on the past 365 days. In part 12 of FCA's Year in Review, we look back on December.
DFB-Pokal: December saw FCA travel to face Karlsruher SC in the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal. The visitors took the lead through Samuel Essende, before KSC equalised to take the game to extra time. The hosts then scored again, before substitute Ruben Vargas brought FCA level again in the 123rd minute to send the match the penalties.
FCA were able to keep their nerves in the shootout, with Finn Dahmen proving to be a strong presence in goal. The shot-stopper had already saved a penalty during normal time, and did so again during the shootout. Every FCA player that stepped up converted their spot-kick, taking Jess Throup’s side through to the quarterfinals. The team were able to celebrate their 5-4 win on penalties (2-2 a.e.t.) with the more than 2,700 fans that had made the trip to Karlsruhe to support them.
Augsburg’s cup journey will continue in early February, as they travel to face Stuttgart in the quarterfinals (Tuesday, 4th February at 20:45 CET).
League action: Following their dramatic cup win in Karlsruhe, FCA earned a deserved point away at Eintracht Frankfurt on Bundesliga matchday 13. After a goalless opening half, Phillip Tietz cancelled out Frankfurt’s go-ahead goal. Samuel Essende then put FCA into the lead, before the Eagles scored again in a 2-2 draw.
The Függestädter’s final home game of the year also saw the end of FCA’s run of good form at the WWK ARENA. Thorup’s team fell to a 2-0 defeat against defending champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
For their final match of 2024, FCA headed to Kiel looking to end the year on a high. Despite taking the lead through Alexis Claude-Maurice, Augsburg were unable to maintain it, ultimately losing 5-1 to the Storks.
Off the pitch: As in previous years, FC Augsburg once again took part in the Augsburg Christmas market and served mulled wine and punch at the Almhütte for a good cause. Together with the WWK Kinderstiftung, the FCA family also collected Christmas gifts for children in need, which were then distributed with the help of the local food bank.
