FCA take point back from Mainz

Matchday 21 in the Bundesliga saw FC Augsburg hold 1. FSV Mainz 05 to a 0-0 draw away from home, extending their unbeaten run in the league to five games. The Fuggerstädter almost snatched all three points late on, but were denied by the woodwork.

Head coach Jess Thorup made four changes from the side that was narrowly knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by Stuttgart in midweek. Cédric Zesiger replaced the suspended Dimitris Giannoulis, while Mert Kömür and Samuel Essende began in place of Elvis Rexhbecaj and the ill Steve Mounié. Finn Dahmen also returned in goal. There were also two U23 players named in the squad in the form of Juan Cabrera and David Deger.

One of two streaks had to give this Saturday afternoon: While FCA came into the match unbeaten in four Bundesliga games, Mainz had celebrated a run of five consecutive victories at home. On his return to his former stomping ground, Finn Dahmen reminded the Mainz fans of his quality inside just six minutes, denying Paul Nebel one-on-one with a world-class reaction save. Both sides were getting stuck in on a chilly February day in Mainz, and the visitors soon worked their first chances, although Alexis Claude-Maurice (18’) and Samuel Essende (20’) were unable to find the target.

Referee Daniel Schlager was kept busy in the opening period, producing four yellow cards. Nelson Weiper was the recipient of one after catching Kristijan Jakić on top of his foot with his studs, forcing him off after 37 minutes to be replaced by Arne Maier. While the match wasn’t full of attacking highlights, the intensity of the encounter could be felt inside the stadium. The hosts almost grabbed the opener on the stroke of half time, but after some pinball in the six-yard box, Weiper’s snapshot was gratefully gathered by Dahmen.

Bildergalerie auf der FCA-Homepage

FCA go close to clinching a late winner

Shortly after the break, Kömür showcased his agility in nipping away from former Augsburg player Dominik Kohr with a superb body feint; however, FSV keeper Robin Zentner was on hand to deny his left-footed strike (52’). Four minutes later, Essende also tried his luck but saw his attempt flash wide. Fredrik Jensen replaced Kömür in the 64th minute and in doing so celebrated his 100th competitive appearance in FCA colours. Jonathan Burkardt was brought on for Mainz as he made his comeback from injury.

The Germany striker looked to turn up the heat in the home side’s forward line, as well as add to his 12 Bundesliga goals in the current campaign. FCA’s defence would allow him to do nothing of the sort, though. The visiting back line remained compact and the second half turned out to be just as uneventful as the first. That was until the 85th minute, when Augsburg came as close as either side to grabbing a winner. Maxim Leitsch diverted Alexis Claude-Maurice’s cross onto his own post in an attempt to clear before Jensen failed to force the ball over the line on the rebound.

As the final whistle sounded to confirm yet another clean sheet for FCA, it meant their tally for goals conceded over the course of the last six Bundesliga matches remains at just three. Thorup’s side are next in action on Friday, 14th February, when they host RB Leipzig at the WWK ARENA (20:30 CET).

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