bundesliga

Augsburg stun Gladbach with clinical display as Alexis Claude-Maurice shines on debut

04.10.2024

Augsburg clinched a much-needed 2-1 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Matchday 6 opener on Friday.

As the match kicked off, it was clear that Gladbach were intent on controlling the tempo. The visitors quickly established their dominance in possession, with Julian Weigl orchestrating play from midfield. Despite their control, clear-cut chances were at a premium in the opening exchanges. Augsburg, adopting a more cautious approach, seemed content to sit back and absorb pressure, looking to strike on the counter-attack. The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 39th minute. Following a corner, Elvis Rexhbecaj delivered a teasing cross that the Gladbach defence failed to clear. The ball fell kindly to Keven Schlotterbeck, who showed remarkable composure to chest the ball down and fire a thunderous shot into the roof of the net.

The second half began with Gladbach pushing hard for an equaliser. Tomáš Čvančara came close in the 47th minute, forcing a smart save from Augsburg keeper Nediljko Labrović. As the visitors continued to press, Augsburg manager Jess Thorup made a tactical change that would prove decisive. In the 57th minute, he introduced debutant Alexis Claude-Maurice, and the substitution paid immediate dividends. Just eight minutes after coming on, the Frenchman doubled Augsburg's lead with a clinical finish. With their backs against the wall, Gladbach refused to give up. Their persistence was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Tim Kleindienst rose highest at the back post to head home from a corner. Despite the visitors' mounting pressure, Augsburg's defence held firm, with Onyeka and Kristijan Jakić providing crucial protection in midfield. As the final whistle blew, the relief and joy were palpable among the Augsburg players and fans, celebrating a hard-fought and vital victory.

Claude-Maurice (No.20) buries Augsburg's decisive second goal. - IMAGO/Eduard Martin

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Augsburg 1.3 - Gladbach 0.6489
Fastest player: Dimitrios Giannoulis (FCA), 33.49 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Keven Schlotterbeck (FCA), 3.4 percent
Most pressed player: Kevin Stöger (BMG), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kristijan Jakić (FCA), +3.23

Fantasy Heroes: Keven Schlotterbeck (FC Augsburg, 238 Points), Kevin Stöger (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 249 Points), Alexis Claude-Maurice (FC Augsburg, 190 Points)