May: FCA celebrate survival
Review of the year 2021, part five
Club
27.12.2021, 10:00
As the new year comes in, FC Augsburg are taking a look back over the last 12 months. Next up in the review of the year: May.
Following his return, head coach Markus Weinzierl had a two-week international break to prepare his squad for the final three games of the season. His first game was against VfB Stuttgart, which did not end as the dream start. Florian Niederlechner’s equaliser was not enough, as the Fuggerstädter came away with a 2-1 defeat from Weinzierl’s debut.
Then, on the penultimate matchday of the season, came the ultimate showdown between FCA and SV Werder Bremen. Augsburg could overtake the away side with a win. The game began with a huge shock for Augsburg, as Ruben Vargas was shown a straight red card early on. A man down, FCA went about things bravely, and got their chance, as Werder also went down to ten early in the second half. Shortly afterwards, Rani Khedira scored in his last home game for FCA to make it 1-0, before Daniel Caligiuri made the game safe with a penalty in the closing minutes – FC Augsburg are safe!
Gallery: 20211221_Jahresrückblick_Mai
Ahead of the game, many Augsburg fans caused goosebumps, as they made a beeline for the team bus and showed their support for the team. After their survival was confirmed, the players celebrated on the terrace of the business area, with the fans keeping their distance in front of the stadium.
Petkov’s debut, Lewandowski’s record
The final game of the season saw a trip to play champions FC Bayern, and there was nothing more to play for in a sporting sense. At half time, FCA were 4-0 down, but fought back valiantly to 4-2 after the break through goals from André Hahn and Florian Niederlechner. In the final minute though, Robert Lewandowski netted his 41st goal of the season and set a new record for goals in a single campaign. Youngster Lukas Petkov will also never forget the game, as he came on in the closing stages to celebrate his Bundesliga debut.
With 2020/21 consigned to the history books, the new season began to come into view. Rani Khedira moved on to 1. FC Union Berlin, László Bénes returned to Borussia Mönchengladbach at the end of his loan and Marek Suchý returned to his home of the Czech Republic. The young Lasse Günther (FC Bayern München) was presented as the first signing of the summer by the board.
