The VfL Wolfsburg suffered a 2-3 (1-0) home defeat to FC Augsburg despite leading twice. In an intense and fiercely contested encounter for long spells, the Wolves let what seemed certain points slip away in the closing stages after taking a 2-1 lead and were ultimately beaten by a late goal. The Wolves began the match with intent but were up against an attack-minded opponent who increasingly took control as the first half progressed. Initially, the Green-and-Whites struggled to create clear-cut chances in the final third, yet improved as the game went on and went into the break with a narrow lead. After the restart, the contest opened up, with momentum shifting between the sides and the intensity remaining high. However, the game turned in the closing stages: a penalty brought the visitors back into it before Augsburg struck the decisive blow in stoppage time. Despite an energetic performance and having led twice, the Wolves were left with a bitter home defeat, made all the more painful by the late concession.
Facts about the game
Only two points from six matches: Following the 2-3 defeat to Augsburg, Wolfsburg are still waiting for their first win of the second half of the season, having collected just two points from their six matches after the winter break.
Seven home defeats: No other team has suffered as many home defeats in the Bundesliga this season as VfL, with seven of their 12 matches at the Volkswagen Arena ending in defeat.
First for Shiogai: Kento Shiogai scored his first goal for the Lower Saxony side in the home match against FCA. The winter signing netted for the first time in the Bundesliga, temporarily restoring the Wolves’ lead.
Augsburg extend gap to the bottom: FC Augsburg have won four of their last five Bundesliga matches and now hold an eight-point cushion over the relegation play-off spot.
Record start to the second half of the season: The Fuggerstädter have taken 13 points from their first six matches after the winter break – more than ever before in their Bundesliga history.
Rexhbecaj with the hardest shot: Elvis Rexhbecaj found the net at 113.5 km/h, the top speed recorded on this matchday.
Level on the stats sheet: A look at the key statistical indicators underlines how evenly matched the contest was. In nearly all relevant metrics, the two teams were on a par. The expected goals values were close, reflecting a similar number and quality of chances. There was also little to separate the sides in terms of distance covered: 117.87 kilometres for the Wolves compared to 118.01 kilometres for the visitors. Possession was split evenly at 50 per cent each. Only in duel success rate did VfL hold a slight edge, winning 52 per cent compared to Augsburg’s 48 per cent.
Head-to-head comparison
- xGoals: 1.6 WOB – 1.79 FCA
- Shots: 10 WOB – 15 FCA
- Distance covered: 117.87 km WOB – 118.01 km FCA
- Possession: 50% WOB – 50% FCA
- Duel success rate: 52% WOB – 48% FCA
- Pass completion rate: 86% WOB – 83% FCA
- Successful dribbles: 40% WOB – 53% FCA
- Fastest player: Adam Daghim (WOB) 34.05 km/h – Uchenna Ogundu (FCA) 35.08 km/h
- Most distance covered (individual): Christian Eriksen (WOB) 12.6 km – Kristijan Jakic (FCA) 11.6 km
