FCA secure a point in rollercoaster match in Berlin

In their second match of the week, FC Augsburg have secured a 2-2 draw away against Hertha BSC. FCA took an early lead in a turbulent first half, only to fall behind after two Hertha goals in three minutes. However, the visitors responded shortly before half-time and went on to secure a draw. FCA head coach Manuel Baum made two changes to the side that started Saturday’s 1-1 draw with FC Schalke 04. Jeffrey Gouweuleeuw and Marco Richter were unable to feature in Berlin due to injury, alongside Caiuby. Kevin Danso and Dong-Won Ji both came in to the starting lineup for the first time this season. The match started at a frantic pace in the Olympiastadion and both teams aimed to start as the stronger side. FCA took the lead with the first clear chance of the match. Jonathan Schmid’s corner was met by Martin Hinteregger and the Austrian fired the ball into the top corner (8’). The visitors then continued to press high up the pitch and effectively broke up Hertha’s rhythm. Quick Hertha brace – Koo equalises FCA’s defense stood firmly for much of the opening stages, until the 23rd minute when Andreas Luthe was forced into action for the first time. The FCA goalkeeper made a start save to deny Maximilian Mittelstädt. A few minutes later, FCA were suddenly behind. Mathew Leckie made space in the box and slotted the ball past the onrushing Luthe (28’). In Hertha’s next attack, after goalscorer Hinteregger had suffered a head injury following a collision, Luthe made a smart one-handed save to deny Valentino Lazaro. However, the ball fell to Ondrej Duda, who tapped home to give the hosts the lead (31’). The visitors were a little stunned at the quick fire Hertha goals, but made the perfect response. Alfred Finnbogason did well to keep the ball in the Hertha box and squared the ball to Ja-Cheol Koo, who poked home the equaliser (39’). Few risks taken, few chances created in the second half The injured Hinteregger was substituted at half-time and replaced by Jan Moravek. Rani Khedira played at centre-back for the second half. The match was a tight affair in the second half after a turbulent opening 45 minutes. Davie Selke’s 53rd minute chance, comfortable saved by Luthe, was the only noteworthy chance at the beginning of the half. Neither side were willing to take any risks and didn’t create many chances. FCA struggled to create any more clear chances, instead the home side looked more dangerous in front of goal. Mittelstädt’s volley in the 74th minute and a header from substitute Vedad Ibisevic (84’) were both stopped by Luthe. Both teams went in search of a winner in the closing minutes but couldn’t find a winning goal. FCA secured their second point in four days following Saturday’s draw at home to Schalke. FCA have one last match before Christmas and the Bundesliga winter break. Augsburg host VfL Wolfsburg in the WWK ARENA on Sunday, 23rd December (15:30 CET).