FC Augsburg worked hard to earn a 1-1 draw, their first of the campaign, against VfL Wolfsburg on matchday 9 of the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, and they got this result despite trailing in the match.

Enrico Maaßen had to make three changes to the side which picked up a 3-2 win over Schalke last Sunday. André Hahn, who suffered a nasty knee injury and will be sidelined for some time, and the suspended Mergim Berisha were replaced by Ruben Vargas and Fredrik Jensen. Rafał Gikiewicz, who had picked up a knock to his thigh, was also unable to play, and so Tomáš Koubek came into the starting XI between the sticks. 

Despite a number of casualites, FCA made a very positive start to the game. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw had two chances in Wolfsburg’s penalty box following two free-kick routines, but the Wolfsburg defence was able to clear on both occasions (4’, 6’). The FCA fans were out of their seats ready to celebrate on the 13-minute mark, as Jensen flicked a long ball onto Vargas, who then squared it for Ermedin Demirović to tap home. However, VfL goalkeeper Koen Casteels pulled out a stunning stop to deny him, tipping the effort over the bar.

Maaßen’s side kept the pressure on, defending bravely and high up the pitch. They’d had a total of six attempts on goal by the mid-point of the first half, with the away side yet not registering a single shot. Then, Ridle Baku burst down the right flank, laid it across to Yannick Gerhardt at the back post, who simply had to poke it home to give the away side the lead (27’). Things got heated shortly before the break, and referee Daniel Schlager awarded several yellow cards after he had awarded a foul on the touchline. Amongst those to receive a booking were captain Gouweleeuw and Maximilian Bauer, who are now both suspended for the next league match. Then came the half-time whistle, and the teams headed to the changing rooms to cool down.

Koubek makes some crucial saves, Gumny equalises

Koubek showed just what he’s capable of at the beginning of the second half – the Czech did brilliantly to deny Felix Nmecha on not one, but two occasions in quick succession (49’). Augsburg’s deserved equaliser came just six minutes later. Gouweleeuw’s deflected shot landed into Robert Gumny’s path, who fired the ball from ten metres out via the underside of the crossbar. FCA immediately looked to double their tally, and both Gouweleeuw and Iago had good chances to do so. The skipper was twice denied by Casteels (62’), whilst the Brazilian’s left-footed shot flew just past the far post.

Wolfsburg were able to find their feet as the game went on, however, and threatened on the attack themselves, particularly from set-pieces. Fortunately for FCA, Koubek was equal to their efforts, keeping out Patrick Wimmer’s free-kick (73’) and Maximilian Arnold, who tried his luck from long range (88’). The points were subsequently, and fairly, shared at the WWK ARENA, which welcomed 26,220 fans to today’s fixture.

Their first draw this season saw FCA climb to ninth in the table, albeit temporarily. Maaßen’s side will next travel to face 1. FC Köln on Sunday 16th October (15:30 CEST). 

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