December: Painful defeat to end the year

2018 has drawn to a close, which means it’s time to look back at some of the many unforgettable FCA moments over the past twelve months. Today’s year review shifts the focus to December. Picking up just one point from the latest three games left FCA somewhat shocked going into the final month of the calendar year. Two consecutive away trips were top of the agenda for Manuel Baum’s men, and despite two solid performances, they returned home empty-handed on both occasions after two 1-0 defeats. The first to former FCA boss Markus Weinzierl’s Stuttgart and the second in Leverkusen the following weekend. Milestone goal saves a point against Schalke After four consecutive defeats, FCA were feeling the pressure ahead of the three-matchday week to end the year. But the Fuggerstädters ended the losing streak in front of the WWK Arena home crowd: Michael Gregoritsch scored the club’s 300th Bundesliga goal, leveling the score against Schalke and rescuing a point for his side. The final away game of the Hinrunde saw Baum and his men travel to the capital for what would be a rollercoaster game against Hertha Berlin. 2-2 was the score after a turbulent first 45 minutes, which were followed by a stalemate after the restart. For the last game of the year, FCA welcomed an in-form Wolfsburg to the WWK Arena, who went into the half-time break with a seemingly comfortable 2-0 lead. FCA had other ideas and showed tremendous character to pull the score level. In the dying minutes, Wolfsburg retook the lead and left Augsburg with the three points. FCA will spend the winter break at 15th in the table with 15 points on the board, just one away from the relegation playoff spot.