FCA net late goal to win 2-1 in Leverkusen

FC Augsburg claimed three vital points in dramatic fashion in Leverkusen, winning out 2-1 winners thanks to a Fabian Rieder brace.

Head coach Manuel Baum, who took charge of his 100th Bundesliga game for FCA at the BayArena, made two changes to the side that started last week. Rodrigo Ribeiro replaced the ill Michael Gregoritsch, while Han-Noah Massengo came in for Marius Wolf. Augsburg also wore black armbands in memory of former FCA goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who died suddenly last Thursday and played for the club from 2012 to 2016.

As expected, the hosts saw plenty of the ball early on, but Augsburg stayed compact and defended well. Finn Dahmen was called into action for the first time early on, producing a fine save to deny Ibrahim Maza (3’). After another spell of pressure, Leverkusen did take the lead when Patrik Schick headed home from a cross (12’). Baum’s side, however, were unfazed.

Following a corner, Fabian Rieder tried his luck from distance and his deflected effort flew in for the equaliser (15’). FCA were now playing with more confidence, carrying a greater threat and almost went in front before the break. After some excellent build-up play involving Rieder, Anton Kade and Ribeiro, the latter sent his effort just wide (43’).

Dahmen keeps FCA in the game

The second half turned into a fierce defensive battle. Leverkusen pushed forward, but time and again Dahmen came to Augsburg’s rescue. The FCA keeper first made an outstanding stop from a clear Nathan Tella chance (57’), then denied Maza from close range shortly afterwards (59’), before getting down well again to keep out a Edmond Tapsoba header (72’). Augsburg threw themselves into every challenge, defended with huge determination and stood firm under relentless pressure.

The closing stages were especially frantic. First, the referee awarded Leverkusen a penalty for handball, only to overturn the decision after a VAR review (85’). Soon after, FCA had the chance to land a late blow themselves, but Mert Kömür was denied by Mark Flekken after a strong counter-attack (90’). The lengthy stoppage time then brought late drama, as Uchenna Ogundu was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Rieder stepped up and kept his nerve, converting to make it 2-1 and spark wild celebrations amidst the travelling fans (90’+9).

The final whistle followed soon after, marking the first time that FCA had managed to beat Bayer 04 Leverkusen twice in the same season. Next week, FCA host Eintracht Frankfurt at the WWK ARENA (Saturday, 25th April, 15:30 CEST). 

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