FCA fall to second home defeat of the season – 3-1 against Frankfurt

FC Augsburg have fallen to their second home defeat of the season. FCA conceded at the start of both halves against Eintracht Frankfurt but played well in the first half and threatened to equalise. Unfortunately for the home side, the visitors were able to take more of their chances as Frankfurt ran out 3-1 winners. FCA head coach Manuel Baum made three changes to the side that fell to a 2-1 away defeat in Hoffenheim before the international break. Fredrik Jensen and Julian Schieber both started for the first time since joining FC Augsburg while Michael Gregoritsch returned to the starting lineup. Ja-Cheol Koo and Marco Richter fell to the bench while top scorer Alfred Finnbogason was ruled out of the match. The Icelandic striker picked up a knock on international duty. FC Augsburg’s 250th Bundesliga match could not have started any worse as they fell behind within the first minute. Jonathan de Guzman was able to get on the end of a long ball and strike the ball past FCA goalkeeper Andreas Luthe to give Frankfurt an early lead (1’). The hosts went in search of an immediate response as Gregoritsch fired a header onto the roof of the net (6’). Luthe denies Jovic  - FCA create good chances to equalise Frankfurt controlled possession in the early stages and FCA sat back to exploit on any mistakes from the visitors. Daniel Baier created the next chance, firing a shot straight at Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp at the end of a counter attack (15’). Frankfurt also created chances to double their lead, the best chance falling to Ante Rebic after good work from Luka Jovic. However, Rebic was unable to tap the ball into an empty net (17’).  FCA gradually came back into the match and managed to create more chances as the half progressed. Gregoritsch thought he had equalised in the 23rd minute before the linesman ruled it out for offside. At the other end, Jovic was denied by a strong save by Luthe (30’). FCA continued to put their opponents under the pressure as the first half reached its climax. Jensen’s sliding shot rose just wide of the right post as he got on the end of Gregoritsch’s shot (33’). FCA captain Baier had another chance but couldn’t keep his shot down (39’). Gregoritsch had the final chance of the half in the 43rd minute but his shot lacked the venom to trouble Trapp. Frankfurt score early again – Córdova scores consolation The second half began in exactly the same way as the first – a Frankfurt goal. Jovic was able to play in Sebastien Haller on the counter and the Frenchman broke free to score past the helpless Luthe (47’). After Frankfurt doubled their lead, it took FCA a while to get back into the match. The hosts had more possession but were unable to carve out many clear chances. Frankfurt continued to cause danger on the counter and Filip Kostic nearly scored a third in the 54th minute. FCA didn’t create their next clear chance until the 66th minute when Martin Hinteregger fired a header narrowly over the bar. At the other end, Frankfurt secured victory with a third goal. Danny da Costa played in Rebic through on goal and the Croatian stroke the ball into the empty FCA net (68’). Despite the three goal deficit, FCA didn’t let their heads drop but remained unfortunate in front of goal. Caiuby created space for a shot but could only fire over the bar (73’) before Philipp Max was denied by Trapp with a shot from long distance (78’). However, FCA were rewarded with a consolation goal in the closing stages. After Frankfurt failed to clear a corner, substitute Sergio Córdova fired home to score his first goal of the season (90’). FCA created a couple more chances in stoppage time but were unable to take them. FC Augsburg fell to their second defeat of the season and return to action next Saturday in Stuttgart (15:30 CET).