Two shots on target, two goals: FC Augsburg demanded a lot from 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, FC celebrated at the end.
On Sunday (October 16th, 2022) Cologne beat FCA 3: 2 (0: 1). Augsburg took the lead with the first chance through Florian Niederlechner (14′), Daniel Caligiuri also scored (68′) with shot number two. But Cologne proved tough against minimalist Augsburg and earned three points thanks to goals from Steffen Tigges (47′, 81′) and Denis Huseinbasic (61′).
Cologne ends the Augsburg series
This ended the streak of FCA, who had been unbeaten for four games. Coach Enrico Maaßen summed it up on the sports show microphone: “It was a deserved win for Cologne. We had too many easy turnovers while in possession. The three goals conceded came too easily.”
His counterpart Steffen Baumgart praised FC’s comeback qualities: “What makes the team special is that they act independently of the result. We continued to play forward. You also have to say: It felt like every Augsburg shot was in the shot.”
Maina puts Augsburg’s defense in trouble
Cologne tightened Augsburg early and came dangerously forward, especially through Linton Maina, while the compact FCA were waiting for a counterattack. But Augsburg’s match plan suddenly worked.
Cologne undermined with (too) simple means by FCA
And according to a simple scheme: The guests moved from right to left via goalkeeper Koubek, then Frederik Winther’s long ball – Niederlechner escaped Luca Kilian and Timo Hübers, took the ball delicately and let FC goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe score the first FCA Goal shot no chance.
A little later, the Cologne team were easily defeated again: A long throw into the box and a header from Mergim Berisha was enough. However, Berisha was offside in Ermedin Demirovic’s throw-in overtime (19′).
Augsburg hardness meets Cologne dominance
The Augsburg countered with physical intensity, which displeased the FC officials. Baumgart clashed verbally with the Augsburger bench after Rubén Vargas fouled Maina borderline from behind (36′). Referee Felix Zwayer gave Vargas a yellow card.
FC surprised Augsburg on the outside
Only after the restart did Cologne effectively demonstrate their dominance. Augsburg seemed mentally still in the locker room when Hector sent Maina on the journey. The operated Tigges – compensation.
As a result, Augsburg acted amateurishly on the defensive. A ricochet was allowed to touch down in peace in the FCA penalty area. The “Fuggerstädter” lined up for Tigges, who was assisting Huseinbasic.
Cologne proves to be tough against effective FCA
But the second FCA shot on goal shocked the fans in Köln-Müngersdorf again. Iago cross, Niederlechner lays down, direct goal from Caligiuri, it was already 2:2.
The final phase was more balanced. In the end, however, Cologne prevailed: Mark Uth was stopped suspected of a foul, but Tigges took advantage and pocketed the ball to win.
FCA welcomes FCB in the Pokal, Cologne on Friday evening in Mainz
Augsburg have Bayern again as guests in the cup on Wednesday (8.45 p.m.). In the league, FCA duped the record champions a month ago. Cologne is no longer represented in the cup competition.
On Friday (8:30 p.m.) on the 11th Bundesliga matchday, Cologne take on 1. FSV Mainz 05. Augsburg receives RB Leipzig a day later (3.30 p.m.).