Elversberg edge seven-goal thriller against Augsburg to end winless run
Elversberg hold on for 4-3 win after frantic seven-goal clash
Elversberg climbed to sixth place in the Bundesliga after a frantic 4-3 win over Augsburg, ending a three-game winless run. With both teams creating over 3 xG and nearly 50 shots in total, the match was full of chances at both ends, four penalties and multiple VAR interventions.
Early penalty sets the tone
Referee Florian Exner awarded a penalty in the third minute for a handball by Chrislain Matsima. Marwin Hitz saved the spot-kick from Lukas Petkov, but the German-born Bulgarian reacted quickest from the rebound to give the hosts an early lead in the fourth minute. Three minutes later, Maurice Krattenmacher drove into the box and cut the ball back for Lasse Günther, who swept home his first Bundesliga goal to make it 2-0.
Rohr heads home and Augsburg respond
Augsburg had nine corners in the first half, but it was Elversberg who extended their lead from their only corner of the half. Felix Keidel's delivery found Maximilian Rohr, who headed home his maiden Bundesliga goal in the 28th minute. Augsburg had to wait until the final action of the half to score. After a lengthy VAR check, Rohr was adjudged to have handled the ball to deny Marius Wolf, and captain Fabian Rieder converted the resulting penalty in the fourth minute of added time to make it 3-1 at the break.
Second half of chances and controversy
Augsburg pushed hard after the restart. Lukas Pinkert was penalised for fouling Hennes Behrens in the box, and Michael Gregoritsch converted in the 76th minute to make it 3-2. Raif Adam thought he had restored a two-goal cushion for Elversberg soon after, but his effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Frederik Schmahl then made it 4-2 in the 89th minute, set up by Petkov, before Mert Kömür pulled one back for Augsburg seconds later with a brilliant finish from a pass by Behrens.
Futkeu hits the crossbar
Deep into stoppage time, Noel Futkeu, last season's 2. Bundesliga top scorer, saw his penalty rattle the crossbar, and Elversberg held on for the three points. Petkov, who scored from his own saved penalty and set up Schmahl's decisive goal, was named Player of the Match with 29 percent of the vote.
Match facts
Bundesliga match facts put the xG at 5.05 for Elversberg and 4.94 for Augsburg. Maurice Krattenmacher was the fastest player on the pitch at 35.23 km/h.
What's next
Elversberg travel to Leipzig on matchday 7 before a cup tie against 2. Bundesliga side Darmstadt. Augsburg face 3. Liga newcomers Grossaspach after their home Bundesliga game against Union Berlin.