1-0, min. 39, Schlotterbeck. 2-0, min. 65, Claude-Maurice. 2-1, min. 72, Kleindienst.
With a somewhat strange stat, Borussia Mönchengladbach failed to win a second league match in a row yet again, Augsburg were able to capitalise on their second-half opportunities, whilst Gladbach continue to struggle to find consistency, extending their streak without back-to-back Bundesliga wins to two and a half years.
Tim Kleindeinst's header in the 72nd minute provided a nervy finale. However, Gerardo Seoane's Gladbach side was unable to overturn Augusburg's two goals scored by Keven Schlotterbeck and Alexis Claude-Maurice.
How it unfolded
The match began with Gladbach enjoying a solid period of possession in the 10th minute. Their first chance came from a Kou Itakura shot following a free kick, but the defender failed to trouble the Augsburg defence. Gladbach looked to impose themselves early on however, the hosts proved resolute.
Gladbach continued to press, with Julian Weigl attempting an effort from distance in the 12th minute after a poorly rehearsed corner routine. Augsburg’s first clear chance came in the 18th minute when Phillip Tietz headed over the bar from a dangerous cross.
In the 33rd minute, Augsburg found the breakthrough.
After a well-struck volley by Dimitris Giannoulis was saved, Keven Schlotterbeck netted from the following corner. Chesting the ball down, he lashed a perfect volley into the roof of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Augsburg nearly doubled their lead just before halftime as Kristijan Jakic forced Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas into a low save. The first half ended with Augsburg looking the more dangerous of the two sides, despite Gladbach's efforts to find their rhythm.
As the sides came out for the second half, Nico Elvedi was replaced by Marvin Friedrich.
The visitors nearly found themselves level right after halftime, as Tomas Cvancara tested Augsburg keeper Nediljko Labrovic with a decent effort. It was Gladbach’s best move of the game, a slick passage of play that showed promise.
However, Augsburg kept up the pressure, and in the 65th minute, they doubled their lead. Substitute Alexis Claude-Maurice, making his debut, made an immediate impact. After excellent work by Frank Onyeka in midfield, Claude-Maurice twisted and turned, leaving Julian Weigl stuck in the mud before firing a deflected shot into the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Augsburg came close to making it 3-0. However, Phillip Tietz’s header lacked the power to beat Nicolas.
Gladbach refused to give in, and they clawed a goal back in the 72nd minute. Tim Kleindienst, fresh off his Germany call-up, rose to meet a corner with a fine header, giving Gladbach hope at 2-1.
Despite late pressure from Gladbach, Augsburg held firm, with a scuffle between both sets of players taking place as the visitor's frustrations boiled over.
Die Fuggerstädter secured a well-deserved win, with Jess Thorup's side yet again taking points on home soil.
Player of the match - Frank Onyeka
Arriving on loan from Brentford in the summer, Frank Onyeka has made a fantastic start to life in Augsburg.
His presence in midfield has been a huge plus point for Jess Thorup, and this evening, his drive and energy proved to be a non-stop threat in transitional moments for the hosts whilst proving crucial defensively.
A fantastic performance.
