BOn the longed-for return of its fans, FC Augsburg had to leave the soccer party to the ripped off guests from Hoffenheim. Led by three-time goal preparer Andrej Kramaric, the playfully more mature TSG won the Bundesliga start in front of 9,124 spectators in the Augsburg Arena in the end with 4: 0 (1: 0).
Jacob Bruun Larsen (37th minute), substitutes Sargis Adamyan (79th) and Georginio Rutter (87th) and Sebastian Rudy (90th + 5) let 1899 coach Sebastian Hoeneß cheer on the sidelines. Hoffenheim played very cool and efficient on Saturday with high temperatures. The FCA broke apart in the end and let itself be shot down.
After an almost complete home game season without fans, the return of the audience had a stimulating effect on the players on the pitch. The Augsburgers – with the seven million euro U21 European champion Niklas Dorsch as the only new entry in the starting line-up – tried typical Markus Weinzierl football: aggressive in duels and straightforward, with speed and long balls.
There was usually a lack of precision near the goal, even at the end. Ruben Vargas spiked the ball after a fine pass from Fredrik Jensen into the penalty area just wide of the goal (22nd minute). Later it was Jensen who moved Florian Niederlechner’s file high over the gate (45th).
The Hoffenheim team tried to build up from behind in a controlled manner. It took a certain amount of time before the actions, often presented on the right, became more determined. Andrej Kramaric forced FCA goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewwicz to make a first save (35th). Shortly afterwards, coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s guest team cheered: Kramatic crossed from the right wing. FCA defender Robert Gumny was in a bad position, with Bruun Larsen successfully heading behind him.
As expected, the Augsburgers created a lot of pressure after the break and took more risks. Hoeneß quickly replaced newcomer David Raum, who – already warned – was threatened with a dismissal (52nd).
The hectic pace increased. The FCA professionals vehemently demanded a hand penalty, but referee Felix Brych vigorously waved them off (60th). Weinzierl brought fresh offensive forces and also replaced the U21 European champion Arne Maier, who was on loan from Hertha BSC.
Hoffenheim now used the open spaces on the counterattack. The strong Kramaric missed the decisive 2-0 when he came free in the penalty area, but FCA goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz held terrific (76th). Shortly afterwards, however, the time had come: Kramaric played Adamyan wonderfully free in the penalty area. The substitute attacker could easily shoot. The third goal of the 19-year-old Rutter and the 4-0 of the former national player Rudy were the encore.
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