Essende on target twice as FCA triumph in Bremen

FC Augsburg celebrated their second away win in a row away at SV Werder Bremen on Sunday night. The Fuggerstädter clinched a 2-0 win thanks to a brace from Samuel Essende.

FCA coach Jess Throup made one change to his side following their 2-0 win in Berlin last time out. Arne Maier replaced Frank Onyeka, who was suspended for the match at Bremen’s Weserstadion due to having accumulated too many yellow cards. Fredrik Jensen and Maximilian Bauer also returned to the matchday squad. 

After the 2-0 victory at Union Berlin – their first away win of the season – FCA began the match with confidence and, similar to Wednesday night, were able to grab a dream start. After winning possession in the middle of the park, Maier was able to slip Samuel Essende into play, who came out on top after a duel with Marco Friedl and sunk the ball into the left corner (5’). The powerful striker had previously scored his first Bundesliga goal in this season’s reverse fixture against Bremen.

The first shot from the hosts came from Romano Schmid, whose long-range effort was saved by FCA goalkeeper Finn Dahmen (11’). In the following minutes, the ball twice landed in Augsburg’s goal, both from offside positions (20’, 31’). Marvin Ducksch then found himself through on goal near the halfway line, before going to ground after a duel with Kristijan Jakić (39’). Referee Benjamin Brand brandished a red card, but after consulting with VAR, the decision was overturned – the contact was minimal at best.

Thorup’s side were thus able to continue to full strength and added a second goal just before the half-time whistle. Jakić laid the ball off to Dimitris Giannoulis with his backheel who then crossed the ball towards the penalty spot from the left-hand side. Essende was able to meet the ball cleanly in the middle of the box and headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Moments later, the hosts appealed for a penalty after a potential hand ball from Elvis Rexhbecaj. Brand, however, decided not to award it and instead blew for half-time.

Back-to-back clean sheets for Dahmen

The second half commenced without any changes. Werder went close right after the restart through Jens Stage (46’) and moments later, Alexis Claude-Maurice had a chance to make it 3-0 at the other end of the pitch. The player — who scored a brace in the match against Union — hit the ball over the bar after a low cross from Giannoulis (48’). Seven minutes later, the Fuggerstädter were blessed with some luck: Marco Gruell was only able to hit the post after a deflected shot.

The match opened up and FCA also hit the woodwork. A cross from Essende was headed against the crossbar by Bremen’s defender Anthony Jung (59’). Thorup then made a triple substitution, bringing on academy products Noahkai Banks and Mert Kömür were introduced alongside Phillip Tietz (65’). FCA remained solid and allowed very few further chances. Nothing changed in the closing moments of the game either, which led to Dahmen being able to celebrate his second clean sheet in a row.

Photos from the match!

Having picked up two away wins in a row, FC Augsburg currently find themselves in 12th place with 22 points. Next up, Thorup’s side will host 1. FC Heidenheim at the WWK ARENA on Saturday, 25th January (15:30 CET). 

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