FC Augsburg were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night. The Fuggerstädter matched the Parisians for large parts of the game and equalised quickly after the French side took the lead. An unlucky own goal in added time, though, handed the win to PSG.

Aside from Ruben Vargas, head coach Markus Weinzierl had all players who had been away on international duty available again. The starting XI from the 2-2 draw against Qarabag remained unchanged, with Kilian Jakob beginning at left-back again. 

FCA weren’t intimidated by last season’s Champions League semi-finalists, and even managed to push PSG deep into their own half on occasions. A corner gave Augsburg their first chance, however Robert Gumny couldn’t get his effort on target (7’). In an even game, FCA kept PSG away from their goal and had the better opportunities. Alfred Finnbogason failed to get control of the ball in a good position, while Florian Niederlechner had his powerful shot saved by Keylor Navas (18’).

It took half an hour for Paris Saint-Germain’s first notable moment in front of goal. Ismael Gharbi was denied on the break by Rafał Gikiewicz. Otherwise, FCA had PSG under control, who were without several of their big stars. Just before the break, Augsburg came close to scoring. André Hahn’s close-range header was well kept out by Navas from a Daniel Caligiuri free-kick (41’). At the other end, Gikiewicz was there to stop an effort from Junior Dina Ebimbe (44’).

Draxler scores for PSG – Niederlechner equalises

Augsburg made two changes for the second period. Tomáš Koubek came on for Gikiewicz in goal and Raphael Framberger replaced Jakob, which meant Gumny moved over to left-back. After a Niederlechner header landed on the roof of the net (47’), PSG started to take control and they soon took the lead. Dina Ebimbe assisted Julian Draxler on the break and the former Schalke player broke the deadlock with a finish into the far corner (62’).

It didn’t take long for an Augsburg response, though. In fact, Weinzierl’s team only needed four minutes to level the score. Having failed to beat Navas (65’), Niederlechner did get on the scoresheet a minute later from a corner (66’). The flow of the game then suffered after this goal due to the number of substitutes made – including new signing Lasse Günther from FC Bayern, who made his FCA debut.

Córdova hits the post – Gouweleeuw own goal

There were a few more moments of note in the closing stages in Orléans. Draxler (79’) and Arnaud Kalimuendo (86’) both narrowly missed the far post, whilst substitute Sergio Córdova wasn’t able to score past Alexander Letellier (80’). The Venezuelan striker then had the chance to win it for FCA, hitting the post via a Letellier deflection (90’). Instead, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw inadvertently turned home a cross past Koubek into his own net (91’).

As a result, FCA lost 2-1 to the French giants. Next up is a game against Italian side, Cagliari on Saturday, 31st July (15:30 CEST).

FCA: Gikiewicz (46' Koubek) – Gumny (85' Zehnter), Gouweleeuw, Strobl (75' Winther), Jakob (46' Framberger) – Morávek (63' Gregoritsch), Dorsch (75' Gruezo) – Hahn (75' Jensen), Caligiuri (75' Günther) – Finnbogason (63' Sarenren Bazee), Niederlechner (75' Córdova)

Goals: 0-1 Draxler (62'), 1-1 Niederlechner (66'), 1-2 Gouweleeuw (91', OG)

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