- Augsburg's FC fails to experience the league novelty and criticizes the referees.
Following the match conclusion, Augsburg and Bremen players found themselves on the pitch, seemingly dazed. Spectators initially hesitated to vocalize their thoughts, too drained from the 2:2 draw (1:1) in the scorching 30-degree heat. This outcome proved challenging for both teams to comprehend. Augsburg's Elvis Rexhbecaj later reflected on the situation as a "mixed bag," having scored an impressive goal from 25 meters, tying the game at 1:1.
As of now, Augsburg has failed to secure a home victory in their 14th Bundesliga season, despite Rexhbecaj's remarkable long-range strike (16th minute) and the debut goal from new, formidable striker Samuel Essende (35th). Despite their efforts, they were unable to secure victory in the end.
"Thorup: 'We lost two points'"
Coach Jess Thorup later criticized referee Sascha Stegemann for their apparent blown opportunity. "We lost two points," Thorup lamented. "Unfortunately, we didn't earn the win due to the referee's questionable decision."
During the 77th minute, the ball struck Werder Bremen defender Anthony Jung's hand during an Augsburg cross from the left. However, two Augsburg players failed to capitalize on this opportunity. "It's a blatant handball, a penalty. End of story!" said Augsburg CEO Michael Ströll, who engaged in a post-match conversation with Stegemann. "He perceived it as a natural movement," Ströll shares from their conversation. As a result, the game remained tied at 2:2.
Bremen took the lead in front of 30,660 spectators at the packed WWK Arena through Felix Agu (12th minute) and leveled the playing field again after the break due to substitute Justin Njinmah's contribution (58th minute). "We'll settle for a point," said Agu. "All things considered, it seems rather balanced," summarized Weiser.
VAR hinders Essende's second goal, preventing a 3:2 lead
Werder benefited not only from the controvertible penalty decision but also beforehand. Essende's second potential goal, which would have put Augsburg ahead at 3:2 (69th minute), was ruled out after a VAR review, suspecting a potential handball.
Thorup included four new players in his starting lineup, each exhibiting different performances. Croatian national goalkeeper Nediljko Labrovic encountered initial difficulties, failing to keep Agu's shot from a tight angle and conceding the second goal. However, he later displayed remarkable reflexes, preventing Marvin Ducksch from achieving a 2:3 advantage (72nd minute).
Bundesliga debutant Essende showcased significant promise. The 1.92m, 92kg striker from the Portuguese second division utilized his heading skills to score the 2:1 lead following a Tim Breithaupt cross. Essende, who replaced departing striker Ermedin Demirovic, harmoniously combined with industrious forward Philipp Tietz.
In the 16th minute of the match, newcomer Samuel Essende's debut goal, assisted by Tim Breithaupt, helped FC Augsburg tie the game at 1:1 against Werder Bremen. Despite their efforts and Rexhbecaj's impressive long-range strike, Augsburg failed to secure a home victory during their 14th Bundesliga season.
