Hoffenheim fight from two down and survive penalty in Augsburg draw
(L-R) Hoffenheim's Andrej Kramaric, Grischa Proemel, Fisnik Asllani, Robin Hranac, and Muhammed Damar react with disappointment after the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Augsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the WWK-Arena. Harry Langer/dpa Hoffenheim fought from two goals down and survived a late penalty against them in a 2-2 draw in Augsburg on Friday but face losing further ground in their bid for a top four finish in the Bundesliga. Alexis Claude-Maurice fired the 85th-minute spot kick over the bar after Bernardo had fouled Anton Kade.
Augsburg had a dream start by going 2-0 up in the opening 14 minutes from Claude-Maurice's low drive and Michael Gregoritsch who converted an over-the-top pass from captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw. But Hoffenheim were level courtesy of Robin Hranáč's diving header in the 35th and a tight angle effort from Bazoumana Toure in off the far right post seven minutes later. There was still time for Gregoritsch to hit the crossbar before the break while there was little danger in the second half apart from the penalty as both sides' run without a victory extended to four matches.
Hoffenheim will be happy to avoid defeat but remain fifth, one off the Champions League zone. They could slip five points behind RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart who host Borussia Mönchengladbach and SV Hamburg on the weekend, respectively. Hoffenheim could also be passed by Bayer Leverkusen who visit second placed Borussia Dortmund.
Augsburg are 10th, nine points above the danger zone. Leaders Bayern Munich are at St Pauli on Saturday. They have scored 100 goals so far this season to move within one of the all-time Bundesliga record 101 goals they achieved in 1971-72.
Hoffenheim's Alexander Prass looks disappointed after the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Augsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the WWK-Arena. Harry Langer/dpa Augsburg coach Manuel Baum gestures from the touchline during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Augsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the WWK-Arena. Harry Langer/dpa Augsburg's Alexis Claude-Maurice (R) looks disappointed during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Augsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the WWK-Arena.