FCA seize a point in Wolfsburg

FC Augsburg fought hard to get a point on Friday evening on matchday 30 in Eolfsburg, despite having a man less for a large chunk of the match. The game ended 0-0 to continue FCA's away unbeaten streak to four games in a row. In Wolfsburg, FCA head coach, Manuel Baum, had to do with out captain Daniel Baier who missed the game as he was suffering from tinnitus. Jan Moravek replaced him in the starting XI. 17-year-old youth team player Maurice Malone made the FCA first team squad for the first time in Wolfsburg. In the pouring rain, FCA had the first chance of the tie after four minutes. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw headed narrowly over from a corner. FCA continued their bright start as Caiuby also missed the target minutes later, However, after this early show of promise, the hosts found their way into the game as both defences came out on top. The hosts had to wait until the 32nd minute for their first real chance as Dimata met former FCA captain Paul Verhaegh's cross but could not direct his header past Marwin Hitz. Consequently, the teams went into the break all square. FCA started the second half much like they started the first. Jonathan Schmid forced a fingertip save in the 49th minute from Casteels in the Wolfsburg goal. Down the other end, Robin Knoche headed over in FCA's penalty area. However, then disaster struck Ausgburg. Jan Moravek received two yellow cards in as many minutes and left FCA having to defend the 0-0 a man down from the 54th minute onwards.

Richter hits the bar

After the dismissal, the hosts became much more attacking as they sought to make their man advantage count. Divock Origi headed inches wide from close range while the freshly introduced Marco Richter was a danger for the Wolfsburg defence. He took the ball past two players on the counter-attack and tried to lob Koen Casteels. His chipped effort left Casteels stranded as he, like the rest of us, watch the ball rattle the crossbar and bounce down the wrong side of the line for FCA. Minutes later, Paul Jaeckel hit the woodwork for Wolfsburg with a thunderous long-range effort. The game came to life in the closing staged with Origi and Verhaegh both having chances to win the game for Wolfsburg. However , Hitz managed to keep his sheet clear and the game ended a scoreless draw.