FCA suffer 3-1 defeat at TSG Hoffenheim

FC Augsburg’s run of five games without defeat came to an end with a 3-1 defeat at TSG Hoffenheim on matchday 28 in the Bundesliga.

Head coach Jess Thorup was without Elvis Rexhbecaj (broken metatarsal), Kevin Mbabu (adductor), Fredrik Jensen (calf) and Iago (knock to the foot). Captain Ermedin Demirović returned to the squad after serving a yellow-card suspension. Arne Engels, Mads Pedersen and Maximilian Bauer all started for FCA. 

In a change from last weekend’s 1-1 draw against 1. FC Köln, FCA went with a three-man backline against TSG. However, the Függestädter were dealt with an early setback as Kristijan Jakić was forced off after 12 minutes with a knock. Tim Breithaupt came in at centre-mid to replace the Croat, who had been dealing with an ankle issue during the pre-game warm-up already. 

The hosts were able to get off to a strong start, netting twice in quick succession. Wout Weghorst opened the scoring after linking up with Pavel Kaderabek (17’), before Andrej Kramarić added a second from range just three minutes later. FCA took a while to find their footing, but were nearly able to get one back just before the break through Ruben Vargas. The striker was unfortunate to be denied by a good save from Oliver Baumann (42’). 

Bundesliga debut for Kömür

Baumann was forced to come out of his box just seconds after the restart, but Arne Maier’s chipped shot landed on the roof of the net (46’). The keeper was then on the spot once again to push a long-range attempt from Engels wide of the post (47’). The change back to a 4-4-2 at half-time had paid off for FCA, who were able to create more and win more duels as a result. 

FCA were unfortunate to hit the woodwork through Maier (56’), before Demirović was able to get one back just six minutes later. It was the sixth goal of the season for the Augsburg captain, who linked up with strike partner Phillip Tietz to score from inside the box (62’). With just a goal separating the two teams, the closing stages of the match were tense. FCA academy product Mert Kömür came on to make his Bundesliga debut for the side in the 78th minute. 

Nearly 1,500 fans made the trip to Sinsheim on Sunday afternoon and continued to loudly urge on their team, as they went in search of an equaliser. Mads Pedersen just missed connecting with a square ball into the box (80’), before substitute Dion Beljo’s header was cleared on the line (81’). Hoffenheim were then able to put the game to bed in the 90th minute, after Ihlas Bebou struck a shot in just under the bar to make it 3-1.   

Despite the defeat, FCA remain in seventh place. Next up, Thorup’s side will host 1. FC Union Berlin at the WWK ARENA on Friday, 12th April (20:30 CEST). 

Photos from the game in i

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