Two penalties see FCA beaten in Mainz
Unbeaten run comes to an end
First Team
07.02.2026, 17:33
FC Augsburg suffered a 2-0 defeat away in Mainz on matchday 21 of the Bundesliga. Two spot kicks handed the home side the victory. FCA gave their all, but were unable to find a way past the Mainz goalkeeper.
Head coach Manuel Baum named academy product Mert Kömür in his starting eleven. He replaced Fabian Rieder in the only change from the side who had defeated St. Pauli in FCA’s previous match. Yannik Keitel was unavailable due to muscular problems. Kristijan Jakić, however, returned to the squad after recovering from a muscular issue.
Early penalty for the hosts
The game began in unfortunate fashion for the visitors. Elvis Rexhbecaj looked to clear after the home side put in a cross, and a Mainz player went down as he challenged for the ball. Referee Patrick Ittrich had little hesitation in pointing to the spot (5’). A VAR check did not conclusively prove that an error had been made, as it could not clearly determine whether there was contact and whether this caused the Mainz player to go to ground. The penalty decision was confirmed, and Nadiem Amiri held his nerve to slot the ball into the bottom corner. FCA then began to dominate proceedings. Alexis Claude-Maurice twice tested Mainz ‘keeper Daniel Batz from distance (10’ and 19’). In the 26th minute, Mert Kömür produced a superb piece of skill to beat two defenders, but Batz managed to get to his subsequent cross. The Fuggerstädter remained 1-0 down at the break.
No way past Batz
Cédric Zesiger came on for Noahkai Banks at half time. There were few opportunities early on in the second period. Eventually, in the 69th minute, Claude-Maurice had another effort on goal, but the Frenchman was denied by Batz from a tight angle. January arrival Rodrigo Ribeiro had created the chance after some excellent ball control. In the 77th minute, Kömür was unable to deliver the finishing touch after a stroke of genius from substitute Anton Kade. Kade was then involved in the game’s next significant moment. The referee awarded a second penalty after Kade challenged Nadiem Amiri in the box (78’). This time, the decision was clear, as Kade had caught Amiri on the ankle. The Mainz captain converted again to make it 2-0.
Baum’s side gave everything in the final stages as they looked to overturn the deficit. However, other than a volleyed effort from Ribeiro (85’), there were no more big chances, and Augsburg fell to defeat.
FCA will look to get back to winning ways when they host 1. FC Heidenheim on Sunday, 15th February (15:30 CET).
