Missed Opportunity: FC Augsburg Settles for Draw Against Cologne, Fails to Make History

FC Augsburg couldn’t get more than a 1-1 draw against Cologne – and so missed out on setting a new record. The chance was there, but in the end the Bavarian Swabians were frustrated.

Showed full commitment against Cologne: Kevin Mbabu, here with an artistic aerial performance. IMAGO/Sven Simon

It could have been so beautiful. With a win over Cologne, FC Augsburg would not only have set a new club record of five Bundesliga wins in a row, they would also have moved within three points of Frankfurt and thus sixth place. But one would like to say would have, would have, bicycle chain, because it shouldn’t be.

“It was a good game for the spectators from both sides,” said Arne Maier after the 1-1 draw against Cologne DAZN and stated: “We dominated the game and had a lot of chances, but that little bit of luck was missing.” In fact, FCA had more than twice as many shots on goal as the Rhinelanders (25:12). This is also why Maier had “mixed feelings” about the draw, as he himself admitted.

Mbabu is disappointed

But the 25-year-old also knew that they could have ended up empty-handed. The FCA were “clearly superior”, “but if you’re unlucky, you’ll concede a goal with a counterattack.” Kevin Mbabu, who had repeatedly proven to be an extremely active asset on the right-hand side, was far more frustrated.

“It’s a disappointment for us,” admitted the Swiss and complained that the game had been given away carelessly. “We had everything in our own hands, defended very well and then conceded a cheap goal.” He was referring to Davie Selke’s 1-1 draw, which was the result of a lack of protection when the Fuggerstadt team pressed high.

But there were also positive aspects, for example Augsburg’s standard strength was once again evident against Effzeh. Maier’s 1-0 result following an Mbabu throw-in was no coincidence, as the Swiss emphasized. “We worked on throw-ins,” revealed the 28-year-old and was happy that it worked. His secret is quite simple: “I try to make long throw-ins so that they are like a corner – that’s dangerous.”

2024-03-31 17:11:43
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