Empty-handed on Easter Saturday

FC Augsburg suffered a narrow Bundesliga defeat on Easter weekend as the Fuggerstädter lost a hard-fought game 1-0 to Hertha BSC. Augsburg lost their grip on the match after an encouraging start and were unfortunate to hit the woodwork shortly after Hertha had taken the lead.

Head coach Markus Weinzierl made three changes from the narrow 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich: Mads Pedersen, Michael Gregoritsch and Alfred Finnbogason started in place of Ruben Vargas (bench), Daniel Caligiuri and Florian Niederlechner (both suffering from illness).

Right from the off, Augsburg took the game by the scruff of the neck, asserting themselves as hosts and looking for a route towards goal. Gregoritsch (3’) and Pedersen (5’) fired off a pair of warning shots before Finnbogason had the opening goal at his mercy – but the man from Iceland hit his effort right down the middle from a good position (11’). After that, the game became a more even contest with Hertha coming into the game and enjoying longer spells of possessions. Hertha full-back Peter Pekarík shot narrowly wide of the target (21’).

Those in the stands watched on as the match became a scrappy affair with lots of biting challenges but few real opportunities. Over half an hour had been played by the time Augsburg threatened once more. A free-kick taken by Gregoritsch flew just over the crossbar (35’). At the other end it was Suat Serdar who went closest (43’).

Sting in the tail for FCA as Serdar scores

The second half began with a hefty blow for the home side. Former Augsburg forward Marco Richter broke through down the right wing and teed up Serdar on the edge of the six-yard box. The midfielder stretched a boot out behind him to divert the ball goalwards and score with his studs – 1-0 to Hertha in the 49th minute. Hertha were spurred on by the lead and Richter’s flick almost added a second for the visitors (55’). Gregoritsch had the best chance at the other end as he headed over the bar from close range (56’).

That effort aside, the hosts found it difficult to build any meaningful pressure on the opposition defence. Hertha, meanwhile, had a few dangerous moments in front of goal. Niklas Stark had a header off-target (70’) before Davie Selke was similarly wayward with his effort (73’). For Augsburg, Iago had a go from a tight angle but fired over the bar (77’). The Fuggerstädter threw the kitchen sink at Hertha as the seconds ticked away, but there were no more opportunities to be had.

With that, the referee blew for time on a narrow loss for Augsburg. Next up is the penultimate away game of the season as we travel to Bochum on Sunday, 24th April, (15.30 CEST).

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