FC Augsburg is proving once again to be a specialist in the relegation battle. After the energetically fought 1-0 (0-0) against the struggling premier class contender 1. FC Union Berlin, the Fuggerstadt can plan for a 13th year in the Bundesliga.
In front of 30,660 spectators in the sold-out WWK Arena, winter signing Dion Beljo was able to celebrate as an FCA rescuer after scoring a volley in the 53rd minute on Saturday.
Six points ahead of the relegation zone should be enough three games before the end of the season. Despite the defeat, Union is still in fourth place in the table, which would mean entering the very lucrative Champions League for the first time.
The Augsburgers started powerfully after seven games without a win. But the guests from Berlin quickly gained control of the game. It was rough and dogged on the pitch, with many foul whistles and interruptions characterizing the game. Both teams played compactly from a three-man defense. Many Union advances ran through the fast Sheraldo Becker.
FCA goalkeeper Koubek in focus
Tomas Koubek, who once again represented former Unioner Rafal Gikiewicz in the Augsburg goal, was the focus of attention at FCA on several occasions. Koubek parried a header from Kevin Behrens (22′) and also saved shots from Becker (26′) and Janik Haberer (28′).
The Augsburg came only to a few orderly attacks. The passes and crosses into the penalty area lacked precision. The biggest chance to score came from a run from Arne Engels to Union goalkeeper Fredrik Rönnow. His bad pass landed on the later goalscorer Beljo, who narrowly missed the Berlin goal with his shot from distance (43rd).
Was that a wake up call? In any case, the FCA team coached by Enrico Maaßen came out of the dressing room much better – and successfully. Ruben Vargas was able to cross unhindered from the right wing. And Beljo completed, also undisturbed by Union defender Paul Jaeckel, with a well-placed volley. The Augsburg fan curve erupted in celebration.
The hosts were now present and followed suit. Union coach Urs Fischer reacted with a triple change and strengthened his offensive in terms of personnel. Union pushed and pushed. Many high balls flew into the Augsburg penalty area. But the hosts, who had lost a lead nine times this season, brought it 1-0, loudly supported by their fans, over time.
