FCA fall to late defeat against Leverkusen

FC Augsburg hosted the unbeaten league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the WWK Arena to start off 2024. The Fuggerstädter gave the Werkself a real game, only to concede the only goal of the afternoon in the last minute.

Aside from Mads Pedersen, who was suspended after picking up five yellow cards, Jess Thorup was able to name his strongest XI. Just like in the 1-0 friendly win over TSG Hoffenheim, FCA’s coach went with a diamond in midfield. Iago, fit again after a thigh problem, started at left-back.

Following a minute’s silence for Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 78, the two teams quickly settled into the game. FCA looked to force Leverkusen into mistakes whilst in possession and then aimed to get the ball towards goal quickly. One such example came in the 18th minute when Ruben Vargas drove into the box and went down after contact from Josip Stanišić. However, it wasn’t enough for referee Sven Jablonski, and Vargas was shown a yellow card.

A minute later, Finn Dahmen did well to deny Patrik Schick as he was clean through on goal (19’). An entertaining first half continued with action at both ends: Ermedin Demirović’s shot just went past the post, then Alejandro Grimaldo hit the bar (28’). FCA again had Dahmen to thank shortly afterwards, with the goalkeeper saving Andrich’s close-range header (37’). Tietz hit the side-netting for Augsburg, the final notable moment of the first period (38’).

Palacios scores in injury time

The Fuggerstädter held their own again in the second half. As the game went on, there was more space in behind the Bayer defence and this led to captain Demirović and Tietz both getting in behind 1v1 against Lukáš Hrádecký, but the flag went up for offside on both occasions (68’, 72’). Leverkusen’s substitutions included the introduction of Florian Wirtz – and he had a real impact on the game. FCA’s defence held firm until the fourth minute of injury time, when the ball sat up for Exequiel Palacios and he fired past Dahmen from around six yards out – a real blow for Thorup’s side after such a brave performance.

FCA finish the first half of the season with 18 points. Next up is a trip to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday, 21st January (17:30 CET).

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