display
Augsburg (dpa) - Despite being outnumbered for a long time, FC Augsburg forced the rescue in an extremely emotional relegation duel with menacingly staggering Bremen.
FCA coach Markus Weinzierl was able to cheer on Saturday after the nerve-wracking 2-0 (0-0) home win, while his colleague Florian Kohfeldt and Werder fell to 16th place before the last matchday of the Bundesliga.
A year ago, Bremen had to be relegated to relegation.
Augsburg's hero of the day was Rani Khedira with his opening goal in the 57th minute, when both teams were only ten.
It was the best farewell present that the midfielder, who moved to Union Berlin at the end of the season, could give his current employer.
Shortly before the end, substitute Daniel Caligiuri increased the decision with a massive penalty (89th).
André Hahn was fouled by Milot Rashica in the penalty area.
While celebrating the goal, Weinzierl also stormed onto the lawn.
Heiko Herrlich's successor did his job with a successful rescue.
display
The hectic struggle for existence on the pitch culminated in two dismissals: Augsburg's attacker Ruben Vargas saw red for assault (13th minute), Bremen's clearer Christian Gross received a yellow-red card for repeated foul play (49th). Werder came very close to equalizing: A cracking long-range shot from Leonardo Bittencourt hit the inside post (72nd). On the last day of the match, the Bremen team, who have now been victorious for nine games, will face Borussia Mönchengladbach at home.
Several hundred FCA fans had received the Augsburg team bus loudly before the last home game of the season at the stadium.
The support of the supporters was also heard from outside during the game by loud sirens.
In the empty arena it was verbose on the lawn and in the stands - especially in the first key scene that destroyed the Augsburg match schedule.
It was clear that nerves would play a role - and Vargas lost it early on.
When Theodor Gebre Selassie crossed the path of the Swiss, Vargas kicked the man from Bremen in the legs.
Referee Robert Schröder pulled on advice from video assistant Benjamin Brand Rot. Upstairs in the stands, FCA President Klaus Hofmann cursed and shouted.
display
Trainer Weinzierl reacted immediately and formed his team with two deep back four. In the majority, everything spoke for the guests, but their playful poverty was blatant. Much more than two half-chances by Josh Sargent did not jump out. The Augsburgers came only sporadically in front of the Bremen gate. Marco Richter almost outwitted Werder goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka from an acute angle.
Shortly after the break, the game took on a new twist.
Groß came too late in midfield against Florian Niederlechner - and saw yellow-red.
The tied number on the square inspired the Augsburgers, who promptly struck.
A corner of Richter cleared the Bremen defense to the again fit veteran Ömer Toprak inadequate.
A header from FCA defender Robert Gumny landed in the fray at Khedira, who hit from the turn with his left foot.
Augsburg now had a mental advantage too.
Werder's offensive ability was too low, except for Bittencourt's aluminum goal, the penetration was lacking.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210515-99-610584 / 2