FCA lose 3-1 to Leverkusen

FC Augsburg lost their second consecutive match on a Friday night as they were defeated 3-1 by Bayer 04 Leverkusen in front of a home crowd of just over 25,000. Karim Bellarabi and Chicharito were on target for the away side, while Domink Kohr got Augsburg's only goal of the game. Manuel Baum made five changes to the team that started in Mainz. Christoph Janker, Georg Teigl and Takashi Usami were all newcomers to the starting XI as well as fit-again Ja-Cheol Koo and Dominik Kohr, who returned after his suspension. Augsburg started with confidence and created a good opportunity early on as Takashi Usami found Georg Teigl with a cross in a dangerous position. Marwin Hitz was then forced into action as he parried away a Kai Havertz effort. Ja-Cheol Koo did not have to wait long to get his first chance of the game after he was found by Raul Bobadilla but the Korean's effort flashed inches wide of the post. Leverkusen also continued to look threatening and Marwin Hitz had to twice be alert to keep out efforts from the Werkself. However history was then made in the WWK ARENA as Karim Bellarabi tapped in to give the away side the lead and with that hit the Bundesliga's 50,000th goal. Boosted by their lead, Schmidt's side were on the ascendency and Bayer striker Chicharito came close to scoring minutes later after a mix-up in the Augsburg defence. The match was very much in the balance and Augsburg continued to try and find that stroke of luck going forward. FCA then created their best chance of the game so far. Ja-Cheol Koo managed to turn out of nothing and found himself alone in front of Bernd Leno but he was unable to beat the Leverkusen number one. The next few minutes saw the guests showcase their attacking capabilities. Chicharito was given time and space in the box after Augsburg lost the ball and he coolly slotted into the corner to double his side's lead. FCA made no changes at half-time and the Fuggerstädter saw themselves find the first chance after the change of ends. Ja-Cheol Koo tested the Leverkusen keeper from a free-kick. Augsburg continued to try and force the issue and came close through Philipp Max and Raul Bobadilla. The home side were finally rewarded for their pressure after Ja-Cheol Koo squared it to Dominik Kohr who calmly stroked into an empty net to pull one back. The joy was short-lived though as Chicharito restored Leverkusen's two-goal cushion just five minutes later with his second goal of the evening. The match died out in the final minutes as both sides struggled to create any decent opportunities. It finished 3-1 and Augsburg have now lost twice on the trot.