FC Augsburg is once again proving to be a specialist in the relegation battle. After the energetically fought 1-0 (0-0) against the stumbling premier class contenders 1. FC Union Berlin, the Fuggerstädter can plan for a 13th year in the Bundesliga. In front of 30,660 spectators at the sold-out WWK Arena, winter signing Dion Beljo was hailed as FCA's saviour on Saturday after his 53rd-minute volley. "The lads did an outstanding job, defended well. They kept a clean sheet, that was the goal," praised manager Stefan Reuter on the Sky microphone, but also warned: "We're not through yet, we have to step up."
A six-point lead over the relegation zone should be enough with three matchdays to go before the end of the season. Despite the defeat, Union is still fourth in the table in a place that would mean the first entry into the lucrative Champions League. And next Saturday, the Berliners will play against their direct rivals SC Freiburg. "We want to do everything we can to win there," said Union professional Kevin Behrens at Sky, who thanked the fans for their great support: "It's outstanding that we have so much support."
After seven games without a win, the Augsburg team started powerfully. Quite quickly, however, the guests from Berlin gained control of the game. It was rough and dogged on the pitch, many foul whistles and interruptions shaped the game. Both teams acted compactly from a defense with a three-man chain. Many Union advances ran through the fast Sheraldo Becker.
Initially, Tomas Koubek was in the spotlight at FCA, who once again stood in for former Union player Rafal Gikiewicz in the Augsburg goal. Koubek parried a header from Kevin Behrens (22') and also saved the shots of Becker (26') and Janik Haberer (28').
The Augsburgers came to only a few orderly attacking moves. The passes and crosses into the penalty area lacked precision. The biggest scoring opportunity came from a run by Arne Engels on Union goalkeeper Fredrik Rönnow. His bad pass ended up with the later goal scorer Beljo, who, however, narrowly missed the Berlin goal with his shot from distance (43rd).
Was that a wake-up call? In any case, coach Enrico Maaßen's FCA team came out of the dressing room much more grippy – and successful. Ruben Vargas was able to cross unhindered from the right wing. And Beljo, also undisturbed by Union defender Paul Jaeckel, finished with a placed volley.
The hosts were now present, followed up. Union coach Urs Fischer reacted with a triple substitution, strengthening his offensive personnel. Union pushed and pressed. Many high balls flew into the Augsburg penalty area. But the hosts, who had squandered a lead nine times this season, made it 1-0 over time, loudly supported by their fans.