Title: Augsburg Secures Back-to-Back Away Victories, Stunning Werder Bremen

Title: Augsburg Secures Back-to-Back Away Victories, Stunning Werder Bremen

FC Augsburg secured a 2-0 victory against Werder Bremen, showcasing strong defense and effective finishing. Coach Jess Thorup praised his team’s performance, while Werder’s Ole Werner expressed disappointment over their inefficiency. Early mistakes led to Augsburg’s goals, with Samuel Essende scoring both. Despite some close calls for Werder, including a disallowed goal and hitting the post, they struggled to break through Augsburg’s defense. Upcoming matches include Werder facing Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg hosting Heidenheim.

Following their triumph over Union Berlin, FC Augsburg secured another three points against Werder Bremen in a late Sunday clash on the 18th matchday. With a solid defensive display and lethal finishing, Augsburg claimed a 2-0 victory at Weserstadion, propelling them to twelfth place in the standings with 22 points. Meanwhile, Werder slipped to ninth, now sitting at 26 points.

We earned this victory, stated FCA coach Jess Thorup in a post-match interview. Our defense was tight and effective. If we continue to defend this way and maintain our efficiency in attack, the points will naturally follow. In contrast, Werder’s coach Ole Werner expressed his disappointment: We play attractive football, but we struggle in crucial moments. Augsburg simply outperformed us in efficiency today.

Werder’s Defensive Struggles

After a tough start to 2025, including a loss to Leipzig (2-4) and a frustrating draw against Heidenheim (3-3), Werder Bremen faced significant challenges. Coach Werner, who had led his team to a commendable 25 points before the winter break, is now grappling with a concerning rise in goals conceded. Against FC Augsburg, who arrived buoyed by their recent victory, the focus was critical: solid defense was paramount.

The opening minutes showcased Werder’s vulnerabilities. Just five minutes into the match, goalkeeper Michael Zetterer found himself beaten again. A careless sequence involving Mitchell Weiser and Leonardo Bittencourt led to a turnover. Arne Maier seized the opportunity, launching a deep ball that allowed Augsburg’s Samuel Essende to slip past Marco Friedl and score, making it 0-1 (5th minute).

Offside Drama for Werder

Falling behind against Augsburg is a familiar plight for Bundesliga teams. Coach Jess Thorup’s squad is renowned for their organized and ruthless defensive style. With Augsburg now sitting deep, Werder faced an uphill battle to generate scoring opportunities.

Just before the half-hour mark, Werder’s goal celebration was cut short when Ducksch rounded FCA keeper Finn Dahmen and found the net, only to be ruled offside. Shortly after, Ducksch was in the limelight again when he slipped past the Augsburg defense following a long ball but fell during a challenge with Kristijan Jakic. Referee Benjamin Brand initially issued a red card to Jakic, but after VAR intervention, the decision was overturned as Ducksch was deemed to have gone down too easily.

Capitalizing on Mistakes

Bremen soon faced the repercussions of their errors. An Augsburg attack from the left caught Werder off guard, with Bittencourt failing to engage in the defensive duel, allowing Alexis Claude-Maurice to deliver a cross. Essende made them pay, heading in from eight meters to extend the lead to 0-2 (45th).

As the teams headed into halftime, Werder vehemently protested for a penalty following a handball by Elvis Rexhbeçaj, but referee Brand deemed it insufficient for a penalty call.

Missed Opportunities

Luck was not on Werder’s side; Marco Grüll struck the left post with a shot from 14 meters in the 54th minute, denying them a lifeline. The match grew increasingly physical as the players battled on a deteriorating pitch, yet Bremen struggled to penetrate Augsburg’s disciplined defense. As time ticked away, real scoring opportunities became scarce, allowing Augsburg to celebrate their second consecutive away win.

Upcoming Matches

Looking ahead, Werder Bremen will face Borussia Dortmund on January 25, 2025, at 3:30 PM, while Augsburg will host Heidenheim simultaneously as they aim to build on their recent success.