FCA beat Mainz to reach round of 16

FC Augsburg are in the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal, beating Mainz 3-2 after extra time! FCA boss Manuel Baum made four changes for the mid-week cup tie. Raphael Framberger, Jan Moravek, Caiuby and Michael Gregoritsch started the game, with Jonathan Schmid, Marco Richter, Alfred Finnbogason (all benched) and Daniel Baier (not in squad) dropping out. It was an even first half, with both sides really going for the win and creating chances. Quaison went close for Mainz before Gregoritsch had a chance for the hosts. However, it was the visitors who went in front through Phillipp Mwene (19’). Max forces the equaliser before Quaison scores for Mainz FCA had a chance just after going behind, with Caiuby’s effort causing problems following a corner, and Mainz had a few shots from distance that failed to trouble Luthe in goal. However, it was FCA that scored next, with Stefan Bell turning the ball into his own net after a fierce delivery from Max (40’). The joy wasn’t long lasting for the home side, as the visitors stuck again just before the break through Quaison (45’). Gregoritsch sends the game to extra time FCA started to control the game more after half time and put more pressure on the away side. Mainz still looked dangerous on the counter, however, and the hosts were still struggling to find a way through. Luthe made another great save from Alexander Hack, which kept FCA in the game. Alfred Finnabogason was brought into the fray as FCA looked for that elusive equaliser, and it wasn’t long after he came on that it finally arrived. Following a bouncing cross from the left-hand side, Gregoritsch calmly stroked the ball into the corner of the goal and sent the home fans into raptures. Richter makes an impact before Caiuby wins the game FCA were once again on top in extra time and looked like the team who were going to win the game. Augsburg had almost as many chances in extra time as they did in the first 90 minutes of the game, most of them falling to Marco Richter. The substitute hit the bar with a thunderous effort before three more chances as he looked to wrap up the game for his side. Just before half time in extra time, the goal finally came. Caiuby rose highest in the box and powered a header home from a Finnbogason cross. Mainz then pressed for an equaliser but did not really threaten the FCA goal. The next round of the DFB-Pokal takes place on the 5th and 6th of February 2019. The draw is this Sunday 4th November at 18:00 (CET). FCA’s next game is against FC Nürnberg in the Bundesliga on Saturday 3rd November (15:30 CET).