Augsburg secured a vital 1-0 win against bottom club Bochum in the Bundesliga, with Phillip Tietz's penalty deciding a closely contested match at the WWK Arena.

Augsburg 1-0 Bochum
Goals: 1-0 Tietz (pen. 38')

The clash between Augsburg and Bochum was a crucial fixture for both sides, with the hosts looking to distance themselves from the relegation zone and the visitors desperate to climb off the bottom of the table. Augsburg came into the match unbeaten in their last three home games, while Bochum were still searching for their first away point of the season. The stage was set for a tense and closely fought encounter.

Kristijan Jakić of Augsburg battles for possession with Lukas Daschner of Bochum in a fiercely contested midfield duel. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

Cagey first half culminates in Tietz penalty

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Augsburg gradually began to assert their dominance, controlling possession and pushing Bochum back. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Tietz was fouled in the box. The striker stepped up to take the penalty himself, calmly slotting it past Patrick Drewes to give Augsburg a 1-0 lead. It was a crucial moment that shifted the momentum firmly in the home side's favour. The half also saw yellow cards for Alexis Claude-Maurice and Marius Wolf of Augsburg, adding to the match's intensity.

After going the wrong way, Bochum goalkeeper Patrick Drewes could only watch as Tietz's penalty crossed the goal-line. - IMAGO/Eduard Martin

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Bochum struggle to respond as Augsburg hold firm

The second half saw Bochum push for an equaliser, but they struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a well-organised Augsburg defence. Felix Passlack was a bright spark for the visitors, trying to inject some creativity into their attacks. However, Augsburg's resolute defending kept Bochum at bay. The match became increasingly physical, with Bochum's Maximilian Wittek, Ivan Ordets and Bernardo all receiving yellow cards. Even Bochum coach Dieter Hecking was cautioned in the 73rd minute, highlighting the visitors' frustration.

Bochum's Felix Passlack was a bright spark for the visitors, but couldn't make it count. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

Player of the Match: Kristijan Jakić

Kristijan Jakić put in a commanding performance in Augsburg's midfield, playing a crucial role in securing the victory. The midfielder's influence was evident in the match statistics, where he stood out with the highest pass efficiency of +1.83. Jakić's ability to control the tempo of the game, win challenges, and distribute the ball effectively was instrumental in Augsburg maintaining their lead and securing three vital points.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Augsburg 2.13 - Bochum 0.39
Fastest player: Gerrit Holtmann (Bochum), 34.58 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Phillip Tietz (Augsburg), 77 percent
Most pressed player: Alexis Claude-Maurice (Augsburg), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg), +1.83

Fantasy Heroes: Marius Wolf (Augsburg, 232 Points), Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg, 194 Points), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, 160 Points)

About the clubs

VfL Bochum 1848

Vonovia Ruhrstadion

FC Augsburg

WWK ARENA