FC Augsburg: Defeat despite long numerical superiority

Despite being outnumbered for a long time, FSV Mainz 05 celebrated its first win of the season in a wild game in the Bundesliga. Coach Bo Henriksen’s team fought back to a 3:2 (2:1) win at FC Augsburg after three previous games without a win, moving up into the middle of the table for the time being. Armindo Sieb (13th) and Jonathan Burkardt (15th) had given Mainz an early lead. Keven Schlotterbeck (25th) quickly equalised for Augsburg, who were unable to capitalise on their numerical superiority after Mainz’s Nadiem Amiri (35th) was shown a yellow-red card. After Burkardt’s second goal (49th), Samuel Essende (57th) only managed to equalise again before he too was shown the red card for an assault (70th).

Deep into injury time, referee Sören Storks checked an alleged penalty for Augsburg on the video screen – and reversed his decision. Henriksen had not been disturbed by Mainz’s mixed start to the season, at least in terms of results. He was “not afraid,” stressed the Dane: “It’s just football. But we still work every day for a win. We need a little patience.” Henriksen’s team seemed to take the latter to heart in particular. While Mainz began rather cautiously, it was FCA who sought the initiative in a somewhat disjointed opening phase. Because Augsburg’s high pressing initially posed little danger, FSV also increasingly dared to come out of defense – with success. After a cross from Phillipp Mwene, Sieb headed the ball into the net with his first chance to take the lead in his first start in the Bundesliga. Burkardt took the second less than two minutes later – again after a cross from Mwene, again with a header.

Mainz then dropped back a little and left the game to FCA, who became increasingly dominant. After Schlotterbeck’s goal, Vargas (27th) just missed the quick equalizer. Augsburg hardly gave Mainz any room to breathe, and Amiri’s sending off only cemented the new balance of power even more. Accordingly, Augsburg coach Jess Thorup went on the offensive after half-time, especially after Burkardt had completely unexpectedly restored the old gap. Augsburg now pressed relentlessly. Essende managed to get back into the game, but a little later the striker also had to leave the field – and thus only managed to equalize with personnel. The hosts also attacked in the final phase, and an overhead kick by Steve Mounie was defused by Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner.