Augsburg upset Werder in chaotic Friday night clash
With emotions running high at the rainy Weserstadion, Ermedin Demirovic's goal proved to be the difference in Augsburg’s 1-0 win over Werder Bremen on Matchday 6.
During their start to the season that’s given supporters a heart attack in nearly every game, let's just say Werder Bremen didn't disappoint with another performance that went right down to the wire. This time around, they couldn't complete the comeback with Marvin Ducksch’s penalty miss in extra time.
Augsburg created chances going forward in the first few minutes of the game, keeping Werder keeper Jiri Pavlenka wide awake at the back. Florian Niederlechner was through on goal after getting around Pavlenka, but couldn’t sort out his feet to tap the ball home.
Backup keeper Michael Zetterer was forced on for the injured Pavlenka just before the 30 minute mark. Niclas Füllkrug was then denied his 6th goal of the season after a controversial offside review from a set-piece. Augsburg threatened with a barrage of corners, as the physical, end-to-end first half of play ended scoreless.
Werder continued to boss possession in the second half, but nothing was sticking for Ole Werner’s side. Ducksch’s header was tipped over the bar in the 60th minute, but Augsburg were pushing forward in this tightly-contested contest as well.
Finally, summer transfer Ermedin Demirovic scored his second goal of the season in the 63rd minute, giving Enrico Maaßen and his team a vital lead. Three Werder substitutes were brought on shortly thereafter, hoping for a jolt especially from Oliver Burke up front.
As Werder grew in frustration with home support behind them, Augsburg dropped further back hoping to prevent an equalizer. Challenges became more and more intense, as the contest became extremely feisty in the final minutes.
After Niklas Schmidt and Füllkrug missed late chances, Werder were awarded a penalty in extra time after Maximilian Bauer’s handball. Augsburg's veteran keeper Rafal Gikiewicz saved Ducksch’s penalty, who is still without a Bundesliga goal since 2019. Gikiewicz then made some gestures towards Bremen’s ultra section which caused dozens to jump down from the stands.
Emotions remained high on the pitch and throughout the stadium as the final whistle blew. Augsburg host Bayern next weekend and temporarily climb to 11th in the table with three huge away points, while Werder stay in 9th, shifting their attention off to Leverkusen.