FC Augsburg threw away a 3-0 lead on matchday 11, conceding two late goals in a 3-3 draw with RB Leipzig after Iago was sent off in the 65th minute.

Head coach Enrico Maaßen was able to call upon Mergim Berisha once again, after he missed the mid-week cup tie against FC Bayern (5-2 loss) with a knock. Mads Pedersen replaced Robert Gumny at right back, after the latter suffered a muscle injury against Bayern. Tomáš Koubek once again started in goal. 

As expected, the opening moments of the match featured plenty of intense duels. FCA pressed hard, forcing RBL goalkeeper Janis Blaswich into playing several long balls. Two early yellows for André Hahn and Berisha – both after aerial duels – were followed by Koubek’s first save of the afternoon, as he parried an effort from Emil Forsberg (27’). 

That remained Leipzig’s only real shot on target in the first half, while Ermedin Demirović had a long-range effort deflected over the bar (31’). Two minutes later, Florian Niederlechner found Ruben Vargas inside the box, where he was fouled by David Raum. Berisha stepped up to the spot and coolly converted the penalty to put FCA ahead – his second goal of the season. Demirović nearly made it 2-0 before the break, but placed his shot just wide. 

Berisha and Vargas score, Iago sent off

Neither side made any changes at the break, with FCA able to add to their lead in the 51st minute. Berisha delivered a corner, which Demirović was able to head in unmarked from close range. With 25,109 fans cheering them on, Vargas then made it 3-0 from a Berisha free-kick (64’). 

Just seconds later, Iago fouled Xaver Schlager as both players clashed afterwards. The defender was first shown a yellow card for the foul, before receiving a second yellow for knocking Schlager to the ground and being sent for an early shower (65’).  Leipzig were able to take advantage and get a goal back through André Silva in the 73rd minute, despite Augsburg defending valiantly. 

Augsburg showed no signs of fatigue, despite this being their third game within the span of a week. With just minutes left to play, however, the visitors were able to find the back of the net again as Christopher Nkunku scored from a free kick (89’). A minute later, substitute Hugo Novoa tapped in a rebound to draw level and rescue a point for RBL. 

After a back-and-forth second half, the match ended in a 3-3 draw. With the point, Leipzig moved above FCA in the table, who now sit in 12th with 14 points. Next Saturday, FCA will travel to face VfB Stuttgart (15:30 CEST). 

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