With a lot of effort, FC Augsburg secured a win against Freiburg in the Bundesliga and collected important points in the fight to stay in the league.
SC Freiburg had to pay tribute to the grueling 3:2 after extra time in the Europa League against RC Lens in the Bundesliga.
On Sunday (February 25th, 2024), Freiburg lost 1:2 (1:0) after taking the lead at FC Augsburg. Vincenzo Grifo scored for Freiburg from the penalty spot (19th minute). Felix Uduokhai (72nd) and substitute Arne Engels (81st) ensured the important victory in the relegation battle for the diligently fighting Augsburg team.
“We controlled the game from the start and played really well with and against the ball,” Augsburg coach Jess Thorup told Sportschau. “In the end we deserved to win.”
René Kirsch, Sportschau, February 25, 2024 10:10 p.m
Augsburg is moving closer to Freiburg
Freiburg attacker Michael Gregoritsch believes that the efforts of the Europa League played their part in SCF losing despite being in the lead. “We no longer had access, no more possession of the ball. Then of course it’s difficult when you’re just running behind.”
After four games without a win, Augsburg now has 26 points and, in eleventh place, is nine points ahead of the relegation place. Freiburg (29 points) missed out on the European Cup places and is in ninth place, just ahead of the FCA.
Grifo penalty plays into Freiburg’s hands for a long time
The guests were Show of strength in the European Cup on Thursday clearly noted. Freiburg didn’t seem fresh and concentrated mainly on defensive work. The course of the game played into SC’s hands when Grifo made it 1-0 early with his 26th Bundesliga penalty.
Patricia Gabor, Andre Siems, Sportschau, February 25, 2024 9:25 p.m
Augsburg, on the other hand, constantly tried to move forward, but had no luck for a long time. Iago hit the post in the early stages (3rd). Shortly after going behind, Ermedin Demirovic was blocked in a promising position (21st).
Augsburg presses before and after the break
The FCA attacker later got stuck in the penalty area (43′). And a nice free kick from Ruben Vargas (44′) didn’t find its way to the target because SC goalkeeper Noah Atubolu was still with his fingertips on it. Augsburg went into the break with a clear increase in chances, but a deficit on the scoreboard.
Freiburg, who had to make defensive changes before the break due to an injury to Lukas Kübler (37th), also fought their way through the game in the second half. Augsburg dictated the action and had its chances. Vargas (67th), Iago (70th) and Demirovic (71st) missed the equalizer, but shortly afterwards the time had come.
Uduokhai quickly switches for Augsburg
Phillip Tietz artistically extended a cross from the left towards the goal. Atubolu made a strong save, but Uduokhai pushed the ball over the line to score a deserved equalizer. Augsburg stayed on the trigger after that, wanting their first home win since the beginning of December.
And since Freiburg had nothing to offer in the second half apart from a great Doan chance (61′), the hosts finally rewarded themselves. After the visitors lost the ball, Augsburg quickly switched gears. Engels got the ball on the left side of the penalty area and, after a flick inside, put it in the goal for the redeeming 2-1 winning goal.
Augsburg to Darmstadt, Freiburg against Bayern
FC Augsburg will face an important duel against bottom team SV Darmstadt 98 on matchday 24 (Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, 3:30 p.m.). SC Freiburg welcomes FC Bayern Munich on Friday (8:30 p.m.).