FCA beaten by Bayern despite thrilling late rally

In their first home game of the season, FC Augsburg played out a breathless encounter with local rivals and title favourites FC Bayern München. In the end, though, Sandro Wagner’s side suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat in front of a sold-out stadium.

For the first time in ten years, the WWK ARENA played host to a Saturday evening Bundesliga primetime fixture. The match against the record champions had a special feel around it because of the new players’ tunnel, and the anniversary print on the ‘Roman’ kit, which was added to celebrate ten years of the partnership between FCA and main sponsor WWK Versicherungen. The starting line-up was unchanged from the 3-1 win in Freiburg last time out. New signing Anton Kade was named in the squad for the first time.

It was a high-tempo encounter from the start. After just a few seconds, Bayern winger Michael Olise put a dangerous cross into the box, but Luis Díaz could not turn it in from close range. FCA’s goal was threatened again in the third minute, when Olise intercepted a pass from Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, but his shot did not have enough power to find the net. At the other end, Marius Wolf got the crowd on their feet after a fine individual effort. However, his deflected strike went narrowly wide (4’).

During the course of the game, FCA played with bravery and put the title favourites under pressure with their quick counterattacking. Wagner’s side had made it an open game until the 28th minute, when Bayern struck the first blow. Harry Kane lifted a precise cross into the box, and Serge Gnabry headed home the opener. Just before half time, Marius Wolf had to come off after picking up a knock, with Elvis Rexhbecaj replacing him. Bayern added to their lead during the four minutes of injury time. Luis Díaz scored from a cutback by Konrad Laimer to make it 2-0 at the break.

Jakić und Kömür make it an enthralling finish

It was an equally disappointing start to the second half for FCA. In the 48th minute, Olise made it 3-0 following the first dangerous attack after the restart. The Fuggerstädter showed great spirit, though, and quickly responded. Just five minutes later, Kristijan Jakić’s first-time finish from a Robin Fellhauer cross made it 3-1.

This goal gave renewed energy to both the players on the pitch and the supporters in the stands. In the 64th minute, Sandro Wagner sent on fresh legs in a double change. Phillip Tietz came on and Kade made his debut for FCA. Augsburg continued to pile on the pressure, and got their reward for this in the 76th minute. The superb Jakić laid the ball off to Mert Kömür, who slotted the ball past three Bayern defenders into the net.

The stadium was now primed for a grandstand finish. Finn Dahmen, who has recently been called up to the Germany squad, kept FCA in the game with excellent saves to deny Olise (77’) and Dayot Upamecano (87’). In the 90th minute, Kömür had the chance to equalise, but his header went wide. Despite the fired-up crowd roaring the team on, that equaliser just would not arrive. There was also a worrying moment after a heavy collision between Sacha Boey and Robin Fellhauer, with the latter having to be stretchered off the pitch.

Bildergalerie: FCA verliert 2:3 gegen die Bayern

FCA now go into the international break off the back of a courageous performance. The next match will see Augsburg travel to FC St. Pauli on Sunday, 14th September (15:30 CEST).

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